It playfully said, "Come to the highest turret, Nigel, there thou wilt trace their path as long as light remains." He started, for Agnes was at his side.

He drew her arm within his own, briefly gave the command to close the gate and make all secure, and turned with her in the direction of the keep.
"Have I done right," he said, as, when they had reached a more retired path, he folded his arm caressingly around her, and drew her closer to him, "to list thy pleadings, dearest, to grant thy boon?
oh, if _they_ go to safety, why did I listen to thee and permit thee to remain ?" "Nay, there is equal safety within these walls, Nigel.

Be assured, thine Agnes hath neither regret nor doubt when thou art by her side," she answered, still playfully.

"I love not the sanctuaries they go to seek; the stout hearts and trusty blades of warriors like thee and thine, my Nigel, are better and truer safeguards." "Alas! Agnes, I fear me not in cases such as these.

I am not wont to be desponding, but from the small number of true men which garrison this castle, I care not to acknowledge I had loved better to meet my foe on open ground.