"Heartily I thank thee, Sir Christopher, for the cheerful tender of thy service, though it was only what was to be expected from a man of thy chivalric temper. I will take this thing into further consideration, and will shortly acquaint thee with my conclusion."
"And, meanwhile, I will prepare myself to fulfil the wishes of your worship," answered the Knight, preparing to take leave.
"Commend me," said Winthrop, "to the friendly thoughts of Lady Geraldine, with sincerest hopes that the peace which surpasseth understanding may nestle into her heart to chase away her melancholy, and may her steps be guided unto the true fold, where only safety is to be found."
"With many thanks," returned the Knight, "I seek my hermitage in the woods."
CHAPTER XVII.
"A something light as air—a look—
A word unkind, or wrongly taken—
Oh, love! that tempest never shook,
A breath, a touch like this, hath shaken."
Moore.