" Only, with respect to your valour," answered the huntsman,
" men do not usually put old mantles over new doublets ; and
methinks, with submission, that of yours neither accords with your
dress, nor is fitted for this noble presence."

"Thou art a fool !" answered Damian, " and as green in wit as
grey in years. Know you not that in these days the young and old
consort together — contract together — wed together ? and should we
take more care to make our apparel consistent than our actions ?"'

" For God's sake, my lord," said Raoul, " forbear these wild and
dangerous words ! they may be heard by other ears than mine, and
construed by worse interpreters. There may be here those who
will pretend to track mischief from light words, as I would find a
buck from his frayings. Your cheek is pale, my lord, your eye is
bloodshot ; for Heaven's sake, retire !"

" I will not retire," said Damian, with yet more distemperature
of manner, "till I have seen the Lady Eveline."

" For the sake of all the saints," ejaculated Raoul, " not now ! —
You will do my lady incredible injury by forcing yourself into her
presence in this condition."

" Do you think so ?" said Damian, the remark seeming to operate
as a sedative which enabled him to collect his scattered thoughts —



THE BETROTHED. 157

„ Do you really think so ? — I thought that to have looked upon her
once more — but no — you are in the right, old man."

He turned from the door as if to withdraw, but ere he could
accomplish his purpose, he turned yet more pale than before, stag-
gered, and fell on the pavement ere Raoul could afford him his
support, useless as that might have proved. Those who raised him
were suprised to observe that his garments were soiled with blood,
and that the stains upon his cloak, which had been criticised by
Raoul, were of the same complexion. A grave-looking personage,
wrapped in a sad-coloured mantle, came forth from the crowd.
