CHAPTER IX
THE KING'S DEATH
Mine arm was quite sore and stiff for some weeks; but as I had at that time no duties to attend to, it did attract but little attention. I kept to my rooms most of the time, but occasionally took a walk through the park with my fair Hazel by my side.
She was greatly alarmed when she learned that I had been wounded; and she lectured me most severely for so exposing myself to such "foolish dangers," as she was pleased to call them.
"For you know," said she, looking up at me with her head held to the one side, and her face most serious, "if thou shouldst be killed, it would kill me too; so, for my sake, promise me that thou wilt fight no more those fearful duels. Heaven knows 'tis bad enough when thou, as a soldier, hast to fight battles; but this murder should not be permitted in a Christian land."
"But, my darling," I replied, "when one man doth insult another the one which is insulted must avenge himself."
"Yes, but if men would ever learn not to insult each other there should be then no cause for these horrible affairs."
I attempted to argue the point with her; but found it of no avail. Had I been the age I now am I might have saved my breath.
"However," she said, after I had given up the task of trying to convince her that I was right, "I am glad that thou didst wound him."