But I care nothing, for since you say that my wife must die I would
die with her and be at rest."
At sunset Lady Carleon died. Ere she passed away she sent for Hugh and
Dick. Her bed by her command had been moved to an open window, for she
seemed to crave air. By it was placed that of Sir Geoffrey so that the
two of them could hold each other's hand.
"I would die looking toward England, Sir Hugh," she said, with a faint
smile, "though alas! I may not sleep in that churchyard on the Sussex
downs where I had hoped that I might lie at last. Now, Sir Hugh, I pray
this of your Christian charity and by the English blood which runs in
us, that you will swear to me that you and your squire will not leave
my lord alone among these Southern folk, but that you will bide with him
and nurse him till he recovers or dies, as God may will. Also that you
will see me buried by the bones of my child--they will tell you where."
"Wife," broke in Sir Geoffrey, "this knight is not of our kin. Doubtless
he has business elsewhere. How can he bide with me here, mayhap for
weeks?"
But Lady Carleon, who could speak no more, only looked at Hugh, who
answered:
"Fear nothing. Here we will stay until he recovers--unless," he added,
"we ourselves should die."
She smiled at him gratefully, then turned her face toward Sir Geoffrey
and pressed his hand. So presently she passed away, the tears running
from her faded eyes.
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