"
"Thou wilt have the last word," said Richard, "and thou shalt
have it. Even think of me what thou wilt, pretty Edith. I shall
not forget that we are near and dear cousins."
So saying, he took his leave in fair fashion, but very little
satisfied with the result of his visit.
It was the fourth day after Sir Kenneth had been dismissed from
the camp, and King Richard sat in his pavilion, enjoying an
evening breeze from the west, which, with unusual coolness on her
wings, seemed breathed from merry England for the refreshment of
her adventurous Monarch, as he was gradually recovering the full
strength which was necessary to carry on his gigantic projects.
There was no one with him, De Vaux having been sent to Ascalon to
bring up reinforcements and supplies of military munition, and
most of his other attendants being occupied in different
departments, all preparing for the re-opening of hostilities, and
for a grand preparatory review of the army of the Crusaders,
which was to take place the next day. The King sat listening to
the busy hum among the soldiery, the clatter from the forges,
where horseshoes were preparing, and from the tents of the
armourers, who were repairing harness.
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