The following were the only words that could be
distinguished at the dismissal of the courteous De Whalley, as he
retired a few paces ere he departed:--
"To-morrow be it," said Fitz-Eustace, "after matins, and we will hear
thee further in this matter: let him then be conveyed to our presence."
The dean retired, but at dawn he was again present in the chantry of St
Michael, within the castle.
Fierce came the beams of the morning sun through the eastern oriel of
the hall, and the guards and retainers of this feudal fortress were
waiting the appearance of their lord. Lounging idly at the great
entrance were those more immediately in attendance on their chief, some
playing at _merelles_, or nine-men's morris; others tilting with mimic
arms, and twanging the bowstring. The pikemen were drawn up in the
courtyard, awaiting orders from their superior. Their glittering weapons
flung back the morning light in sharp flashes to the sky; while on the
tower the dark pennon hung motionless and drooping in the sultry air.
The news of his arrival had drawn hither not a few of the surrounding
peasantry to gaze upon the pomp and to pay homage at the court of their
feudal lord; and a crowd of idlers was accumulating beneath the walls of
the fortress.
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