"
"I need ask none," said the knight, sinking upon one knee, with
the reverential devotion of a saint at the altar, and bending his
eyes on the ground, lest his looks should increase the lady's
embarrassment.
"Have you heard all?" said Edith impatiently. "Gracious saints!
then wherefore wait you here, when each minute that passes is
loaded with dishonour!"
"I have heard that I am dishonoured, lady, and I have heard it
from you," answered Kenneth. "What reck I how soon punishment
follows? I have but one petition to you; and then I seek, among
the sabres of the infidels, whether dishonour may not be washed
out with blood."
"Do not so, neither," said the lady. "Be wise--dally not here;
all may yet be well, if you will but use dispatch."
"I wait but for your forgiveness," said the knight, still
kneeling, "for my presumption in believing that my poor services
could have been required or valued by you."
"I do forgive you--oh, I have nothing to forgive! have been the
means of injuring you. But oh, begone! I will forgive--I will
value you--that is, as I value every brave Crusader--if you will
but begone!"
"Receive, first, this precious yet fatal pledge," said the
knight, tendering the ring to Edith, who now showed gestures of
impatience.
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