“No, I have not been informed thereof. And hath he gained possession of her?”
“No, nor shall not!” and hereupon he frowned a great frown, and let his sword-sheath strike heavily upon the floor. All the company looked sharply round; but seeing it was by hazard, they took no notice of what occurred.
“And where, then, is the maiden bestowed?” I demanded.
“In this house; you shall see her soon.”
“And what have I to do with these matters? They are above my concernment!” I exclaimed, in great anguish of mind.
“You have to unite her in the holy bands of wedlock.”
“Nay, that is clearly impossible! Where, I pray thee, is the license?”
“All that has been cared for by means of a true bishop of our church. There can be no scruple on canonical grounds; and if there be hesitation in obeying the Lady Mallerden’s orders (provided she finally makes up her mind to deliver the same), I would not answer for the recusant’s life, no, not for an hour.”
“But wherefore in such secresy, with such haste?” I said, in dreadful sort.