"Robin," said the Duchess, beckoning him near with white, imperious
finger, "Robin a' Green, thou whose tongue is quick and ready as thy hand,
hast ever been gentle to the weak and helpless as I do know, in especial
to two women that sought thy protection of late."
"Why, verily, lady, I mind them well," nodded Robin, "and one was a maid
passing fair and one an ancient dame exceeding wise. To aid such is ever a
man's joy--or should be."
"Knew ye who and what this maid was, Robin?"
"Aye, lady, I knew her then as now for that proud and noble lady the
Duchess Benedicta."
"And yet, Robin, knowing this and having me in thy power didst suffer me to
go without let or hindrance or single penny of ransom?"
"My lady Duchess," answered Robin, glancing round upon his wild company,
"we be outlaws, 't is true, and rogues--mayhap, yet are we men and thou a
lady passing fair, wherefore--though I knew thee for the Duchess Benedicta,
thou wert safe with us since we war not with women and harm no maids be
they of high or low degree!"
"Spoke like a very knight!" exclaimed the Duchess.
Pages:
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254