Her father, after her departure, had begun to evince much restless perturbation.

He answered Marmaduke's queries but by abstracted and desultory monosyllables; and seeing his guest at length engaged in contemplating some old pieces of armour hung upon the walls, he stole stealthily and furtively away, and halted not till once more before his beloved model.
Unaware of his departure, Marmaduke, whose back was turned to him, was, as he fondly imagined, enlightening his host with much soldier-like learning as to the old helmets and weapons that graced the hall.
"Certes, my host," said he, musingly, "that sort of casque, which has not, I opine, been worn this century, had its merits; the vizor is less open to the arrows.

But as for these chain suits, they suited only--I venture, with due deference, to declare--the Wars of the Crusades, where the enemy fought chiefly with dart and scymetar.

They would be but a sorry defence against the mace and battle-axe; nevertheless, they were light for man and horse, and in some service, especially against foot, might be revived with advantage.

Think you not so ?" He turned, and saw the arch face of Sibyll.
"I crave pardon for my blindness, gentle damsel," said he, in some confusion, "but your father was here anon." "His mornings are so devoted to labour," answered Sibyll, "that he entreats you to pardon his discourtesy.