"Nay, 'tis not as Duke but in other matters."
Caution seemed to overcome Sir Dolphus for many minutes. But he had great desire to confide in this friendly knight whose good will he wished.
"Art thou married, Sir Launcelot?" he asked.
"A strange question, my friend. Yet do I find my happiness in the single blessedness which is at present mine."
"Yet is marriage a most convenient thing sometime. 'Twould be for me at present."
"Say you, 'twould be? Yet, if I mistake not, have I heard that that blessed state is already yours. Though no sign have I seen as yet, of the Lady Dolphus.
"Aye, friend, married am I, worse the pity. And when I ask the Church to annul this unhappy state, and give it many gifts, still does it turn stubborn over such a little thing."
"What harm therein, my friend? Since that the lady is not with you?" Friendly was Sir Launcelot's tone and right sympathetic.
"Aye, there I come back to what I have said--about marriage being most convenient at times. For would they annul the marriage I could then marry again, one who owns vast estate. And that would make me all powerful in Gascony."
Such laughter as shook the frame of Sir Launcelot. Nor was it unkindly.