We shall have blows anon, Thomas, if the
saints be gracious to us; and had we fought in thine absence, I
would have looked to hear of thy being found hanging upon an
elder-tree."
"I should have borne my disappointment with more Christian
patience, I trust," said Thomas de Vaux, "than to have died the
death of an apostate. But I thank your Grace for my welcome,
which is the more generous, as it respects a banquet of blows, of
which, saving your pleasure, you are ever too apt to engross the
larger share. But here have I brought one to whom your Grace
will, I know, give a yet warmer welcome."
The person who now stepped forward to make obeisance to Richard
was a young man of low stature and slight form. His dress was as
modest as his figure was unimpressive; but he bore on his bonnet
a gold buckle, with a gem, the lustre of which could only be
rivalled by the brilliancy of the eye which the bonnet shaded.
It was the only striking feature in his countenance; but when
once noticed, it ever made a strong impression on the spectator.
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