Thus, cradled in his strong arms, she questioned him tenderly:
"Dost mind how, upon a day, my Pertinax, didst ask of me the amulet I bore
within my bosom?"
"Aye," he answered, "and sure 'tis charm of potent magic whose spell
brought us out of the dungeon at Canalise--the which is great matter for
wonder! But 'tis for thy dear sake I do cherish it--"
"Bear you it yet?"
"Here upon my heart."
"And if I should ask it of thee again--wouldst render it back to me?"
"Never!" quoth he. "Never, until with it I give thee myself also!"
But presently she stirred in his embrace for upon the air was an
approaching clamour, voices, laughter and the ring of mail.
"Come away!" whispered Melissa, upspringing to her feet. "Come, let thou
and Love and I hide until these disturbers be gone and the sweet world hold
but us three again."
Now, as they stood, hand in hand, deep hidden 'mid the green, they beheld
six merry woodland rogues who led an ambling ass whereon rode a friar
portly and perspiring albeit he had a jovial eye.
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