Sir William came to his feet, austere and pale.
Lady Belward's fingers trembled on the lace she held.

They looked many years older.

Neither spoke his name, nor did they offer their hands.
Gaston did not wince, he had expected it.

He owed these old people something.

They lived according to their lights, they had acted righteously as by their code, they had used him well--well always.
"Will you hear the whole story ?" he said.