"What have I to fear from my liege
lord, the King of England?"
"Only, sir, that you consort with and would wed me to one who, although
you may not know it, has, I am told, much to fear from him, so much that
I wonder that he has ridden to seek his Grace's presence. Well, you are
ill and I am angered and together we are but as steel and flint, from
the meeting of which comes fire that may burn us both. Therefore, since
being better than I thought, you need me not and have only cruel words
for greeting, I'll bid you farewell and get me back to those who are
kindlier. God be with you, and give you your health again."
"Ah!" said or rather snarled Sir John, "I thought as much and am ready
for the trick. You'd win back to sanctuary, would you, and the company
of that old wizard, Andrew Arnold, thence to make a mock of me? Well,
not one step do you take upon that road while I live," and pushing past
her he opened the door and shouted aloud.
Apparently the men and woman whom Eve had met in the passage were still
waiting there, for instantly they all reappeared.
"Now, fellows," said Sir John, "and you, Jane Mell, take this rebellious
girl of mine to the chamber in the prisoners' tower, whence I think
she'll find it hard to fly to sanctuary. There lock her fast, feeding
her with the bread and water of affliction to tame her proud spirit, and
suffering none to go near her save this woman, Jane Mell.
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