"Most likely," I replied.
"But surely, Trevanion, you will not—that is, consider, man. It would not be simply wedding a penniless bride; she is worse than penniless. You see this stain upon her birth closes the door of every house in the country to her."
"Not all," I cried.
"You see," he went on, "you will now hold your head high when it is noised abroad, as it soon will be, that you have received favour from the King, that Trevanion is yours free from all encumbrance, you will be able to choose your bride from the fairest and the richest. Besides, you must think of further advancements at the King's hands. That would become impossible if you wedded this maid."
"My lord," I cried, "I love her! I never loved a woman before. I thought I did ten years ago, and when she proved false I vowed I could never trust a woman again. But now——"
"But now, what?"
"You can guess, my lord."
"Then you are bent on marrying her?"
"I am going to beg her, to beseech her if needs be," I replied. "You say she is still in this house, my lord. Should I be imposing too much on your kindness if I ask that I may see her. I have not beheld her for many days, and my heart hungers for her sorely."
"How old are you, Trevanion?"