"Ah, thou little
knowest yet I will go. But see you here, what means this? You
have bedizened me in green, a colour he detests. Lo you! let me
have a blue robe, and--search for the ruby carcanet, which was
part of the King of Cyprus's ransom; it is either in the steel
casket, or somewhere else."
"This, and a man's life at stake!" said Edith indignantly; "it
passes human patience. Remain at your ease, madam; I will go to
King Richard. I am a party interested. I will know if the
honour of a poor maiden of his blood is to be so far tampered
with that her name shall be abused to train a brave gentleman
from his duty, bring him within the compass of death and infamy,
and make, at the same time, the glory of England a laughing-stock
to the whole Christian army."
At this unexpected burst of passion, Berengaria listened with an
almost stupefied look of fear and wonder. But as Edith was about
to leave the tent, she exclaimed, though faintly, "Stop her, stop
her!"
"You must indeed stop, noble Lady Edith," said Calista, taking
her arm gently; "and you, royal madam, I am sure, will go, and
without further dallying.
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