Speak, then, without fear to Edith Plantagenet.

She knows how to grace in adversity the good knight who served, honoured, and did deeds of arms in her name, when fortune befriended him .-- Still silent! Is it fear or shame that keeps thee so! Fear should be unknown to thee; and for shame, let it remain with those who have wronged thee." The knight, in despair at being obliged to play the mute in an interview so interesting, could only express his mortification by sighing deeply, and laying his finger upon his lips.

Edith stepped back, as if somewhat displeased.
"What!" she said, "the Asiatic mute in very deed, as well as in attire?
This I looked not for.

Or thou mayest scorn me, perhaps, for thus boldly acknowledging that I have heedfully observed the homage thou hast paid me?
Hold no unworthy thoughts of Edith on that account.

She knows well the bounds which reserve and modesty prescribe to high-born maidens, and she knows when and how far they should give place to gratitude--to a sincere desire that it were in her power to repay services and repair injuries arising from the devotion which a good knight bore towards her.
Why fold thy hands together, and wring them with so much passion?
Can it be," she added, shrinking back at the idea, "that their cruelty has actually deprived thee of speech?
Thou shakest thy head.