Roland gazed at her so meaningly, that Charles turned to Gerard de Vienne, and said—
“Here is an ambitious gallant, who seeks his reward at your hands. What say you, Gerard, and you, Lady Guibourg? Does it not seem to you that your niece will be fortunate in having for a spouse my friend and nephew, Roland? I ask her hand of you for him.”
“Sire,” said Gerard, “it is doing us too great an honour.”
“Aude could not have a nobler husband than Roland, who comes of your royal line, sire,” said the Lady Guibourg.
“I was not rich enough to satisfy this grasping soul,” replied Charlemagne, “and I thank you, Gerard, for coming to my help. Ah! Turpin, here is work for you. No other is worthy to celebrate such nuptials as these. Have ready a splendid sermon for the occasion, for the wedding shall take place on our return to Cologne.”
