Moreover, how could my ward be wed without my leave ?" "She had not been served with notice of your wardship, if such exists, or so she declared," replied Martin in his quiet, obstinate voice.
"I think that there is no court in Europe which would void this open marriage when it learned that the parties lived a while as man and wife, and were so received by those about them--no, not the Pope himself." "He who says that he is no lawyer still sets out the law," broke in Maldon sarcastically.

"Well, what does it matter, seeing that death has voided it?
Husband and wife, if such they were, are both dead; it is finished." "No; for now they lay their appeal in the Court of Heaven, to which every one of us is summoned; and Heaven can stir up its ministers on earth.

Oh! I like it not, I like it not; and I mourn for those two, so loving, brave, and young.

Their blood and that of many more is on our hands--for what?
A stretch of upland and of marsh which the King or others may seize to-morrow." The Abbot seemed to cower beneath the weight of these sad, earnest words, and for a little while there was silence.

Then he plucked up courage, and said-- "I am glad that you remember that their blood is on your hands as well as mine, since now, perhaps, you will keep them hidden." He rose and walked to the door and the window to see that none were without, then returned and exclaimed fiercely-- "Fool, do you then think that these deeds were done to win a new estate?
True it is that those lands are ours by right, and we need their revenues; but there is more behind.