CHAPTER V

Investigation of the adventure of the hunting—­A discovery—­ Gregory’s manhood—­pate of Gaston saint Clere—­conclusion

So soon as they arrived at the princely mansion of Boteler, the Lady Emma craved permission to retire to her chamber, that she might compose her spirits after the terror she had undergone.  Henry Saint Clere, in a few words, proceeded to explain the adventure to the curious audience.  ’I had no sooner seen my sister’s palfrey, in spite of her endeavours to the contrary, entering with spirit into the chase set on foot by the worshipful Gregory, than I rode after to give her assistance.  So long was the chase that, when the greyhounds pulled down the knobbler, we were out of hearing of your bugles; and having rewarded and coupled the dogs, I gave them to be led by the jester, and we wandered in quest of our company, whom it would seem the sport had led in a different direction.  At length, passing through the thicket where you found us, I was surprised by a cross-bow bolt whizzing past mine head.  I drew my sword and rushed into the thicket, but was instantly assailed by two ruffians, while other two made towards my sister and Gregory.  The poor knave fled, crying for help, pursued by my false kinsman, now your prisoner; and the designs of the other on my poor Emma (murderous no doubt) were prevented by the sudden apparition of a brave woodsman, who, after a short encounter, stretched the miscreant at his feet and came to my assistance.  I was already slightly wounded, and nearly overlaid with odds.  The combat lasted some time, for the caitiffs were both well armed, strong, and desperate; at length, however, we had each mastered our antagonist, when your retinue, my Lord Boteler, arrived to my relief.  So ends my story; but, by my knighthood, I would give an earl’s ransom for an opportunity of thanking the gallant forester by whose aid I live to tell it.’

‘Fear not,’ said Lord Boteler, ’he shall be found, if this or the four adjacent counties hold him.  And now Lord Fitzosborne will be pleased to doff the armour he has so kindly assumed for our sakes, and we will all bowne ourselves for the banquet.’

When the hour of dinner approached, the Lady Matilda and her cousin visited the chamber of the fair Darcy.  They found her in a composed but melancholy postmire.  She turned the discourse upon the misfortunes of her life, and hinted, that having recovered her brother, and seeing him look forward to the society of one who would amply repay to him the loss of hers, she had thoughts of dedicating her remaining life to Heaven, by whose providential interference it had been so often preserved.