But when they came forth from the church, Ralph looked on Richard with a face
that was both blank and weary, as who should say: "What is to do now?"
And forsooth so woe-begone he looked, that Richard, despite his sorrow
and trouble for him, could scarce withhold his laughter. But he said:
"Well, foster son (for thou art pretty much that to me), since the good town
pleasureth thee little, go we further afield."
So he led him out of the market-place, and brought him
to the east gate of the town which hight Petergate Bar,
and forth they went and out into the meadows under the walls,
and stayed him at a little bridge over one of the streams,
for it was a land of many waters; there they sat down in a nook,
and spake Richard to Ralph, saying:
"Lord Ralph, ill it were if the Upmeads kindred came to naught,
or even to little. Now as for my own master Blaise, he hath,
so please you, the makings of a noble chapman, but not of a
noble knight; though he sayeth that when he is right rich
he will cast aside all chaffer; naught of which he will do.
As for the others, my lord Gregory is no better, or indeed worse,
save that he shall not be rich ever, having no mastery over himself;
while lord Hugh is like to be slain in some empty brawl,
unless he come back speedily to Upmeads."
"Yea, yea," said Ralph, "what then? I came not hither
to hear thee missay my mother's sons." But Richard went on:
"As for thee, lord Ralph, of thee I looked for something;
but now I cannot tell; for the heart in thee seemeth to be dead;
and thou must look to it lest the body die also.
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