"
Struck to the heart with shame and resentment at what he had
heard, Sir Kenneth was about to attempt his escape from the tent
at all hazards, when what followed arrested his purpose.
"Nay, truly," said the first speaker, "our cousin Edith must
first learn how this vaunted wight hath conducted himself, and we
must reserve the power of giving her ocular proof that he hath
failed in his duty. It may be a lesson will do good upon her;
for, credit me, Calista, I have sometimes thought she has let
this Northern adventurer sit nearer her heart than prudence would
sanction."
One of the other voices was then heard to mutter something of the
Lady Edith's prudence and wisdom.
"Prudence, wench!" was the reply. "It is mere pride, and the
desire to be thought more rigid than any of us. Nay, I will not
quit my advantage. You know well that when she has us at fault
no one can, in a civil way, lay your error before you more
precisely than can my Lady Edith. But here she comes."
A figure, as if entering the apartment, cast upon the partition a
shade, which glided along slowly until it mixed with those which
already clouded it.
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