Pacing to and fro in this audience-chamber appeared a figure of about
the middle size, attired in a loose open garment. His head was nearly
bald; a few thin locks only hung from the lower part of his poll; and
yet his age was not so far advanced as the scanty covering of his
forehead might seem to intimate. He paused not as they entered; but
during the greater part of the succeeding interview persevered in the
same restless and abrupt gait, as though repose were anguish, and it was
only by a continued change of position that he could soothe the rising
perturbation of his spirit.
"Is this your haste, when my commands are most urgent?"
He turned sharply upon them as he spoke: his eyes grew wild and keen;
but at times a heaviness and languor, as if from long watching, seemed
to oppress them.
"We could not"--Michael was stammering out an apology, when thus
interrupted:--
"Enough! I know what thou wouldst say. Let thy comrade remain below.
Geoffery, conduct him to the refectory; Michael abides here. Haste, and
let refreshments be prepared."
What was the purport of the conversation that ensued may be surmised
from the following history.
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