Then with head held
high she walked thence in the midst of them.
The prisoners' chamber beneath the leads of the lofty tower was cold and
unfurnished save for a stool and a truckle-bed. It had a great door of
oak locked and barred on the outer side, with a grille in it through
which the poor wretch within could be observed. There was no window,
only high up beneath the ceiling were slits like loopholes that not a
child could have passed. Such was the place to which Eve was led.
Here they left her. At nightfall the door was opened and Jane Mell
entered, bearing a loaf of bread and a jug of water, which she set down
upon the floor.
"Would you aught else?" she asked.
"Ay, woman," answered Eve, "my thick red woollen cloak from my chamber,
and hood to match. Also water to wash me, for this place is cold and
foul, and I would die warm and clean."
"First I must get leave from my lord your father," said the woman in a
surly voice.
"Get it then and be swift," said Eve, "or leave it ungotten; I care
little."
Mell went and within half an hour returned with the garments, the water
and some other things. Setting them down without a word she departed,
locking and bolting the door behind her.
While there remained a few rays of light to see by, Eve ate and drank
heartily, for she needed food. Then having prayed according to her
custom, she laid herself down and slept as a child sleeps, for she was
very strong of will and one who had always taught herself to make the
best of evil fortune.
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