She cared not for the heart, if the hand or the brain could not assist her.
But, poor queen, who could blame her for this ?--her nature was turned from its milk; and, when, more lately, I have heard how many she trusted most have turned against her, I rebuked myself that--" "Thou wert not by her side ?" added the Nevile, observing her pause, and with the generous thought of a gentleman and a soldier.
"Nay, I meant not that so expressly, Master Nevile, but rather that I had ever murmured at her haste and shrewdness of mood.

By her side, said you ?--alas! I have a nearer duty at home; my father is all in this world to me! Thou knowest not, Master Nevile, how it flatters the weak to think there is some one they can protect.

But eno' of myself.

Thou wilt go to the stout earl, thou wilt pass to the court, thou wilt win the gold spurs, and thou wilt fight with the strong hand, and leave others to cozen with the keen head." "She is telling my fortune!" muttered Marmaduke, crossing himself again.
"The gold spurs--I thank thee, Mistress Sibyll!--will it be on the battle-field that I shall be knighted, and by whose hand ?" Sibyll glanced her bright eye at the questioner, and seeing his wistful face, laughed outright.
"What, thinkest thou, Master Nevile, I can read thee all riddles without my sieve and my shears ?" "They are essentials, then, Mistress Sibyll ?" said the Nevile, with blunt simplicity.

"I thought ye more learned damozels might tell by the palm, or the--why dost thou laugh at me ?" "Nay," answered Sibyll, composing herself.