And in what did the promises of the King result?
In an obscure and shameful concealing of us, under plebeian names, as a sort of prohibited wares in yonder paltry hostelry, when we--who, as thou knowest, Marthon" (addressing her domestic), "never put on our head tire save under a canopy, and upon a dais of three degrees--were compelled to attire ourselves, standing on the simple floor, as if we had been two milkmaids." Marthon admitted that her lady spoke a most melancholy truth.
"I would that had been the sorest evil, dear kinswoman," said the Lady Isabelle, "I could gladly have dispensed with state." "But not with society," said the elder Countess, "that, my sweet cousin, was impossible." "I would have dispensed with all, my dearest kinswoman," answered Isabelle, in a voice which penetrated to the very heart of her young conductor and guard, "with all, for a safe and honourable retirement.

I wish not--God knows, I never wished--to occasion war betwixt France and my native Burgundy, or that lives should be lost for such as I am.

I only implored permission to retire to the Convent of Marmoutier, or to any other holy sanctuary." "You spoke then like a fool, my cousin," answered the elder lady, "and not like a daughter of my noble brother.

It is well there is still one alive who hath some of the spirit of the noble House of Croye.

How should a high born lady be known from a sunburnt milkmaid, save that spears are broken for the one, and only hazel poles shattered for the other?
I tell you, maiden, that while I was in the very earliest bloom, scarcely older than yourself, the famous Passage of Arms at Haflinghem was held in my honour, the challengers were four, the assailants so many as twelve.