human
Are ye fro’ Marston, gentles? asked the farmer, limping out to learn what the uproar was about.
gpt
Ay? Then how has the King sped?
human
We are broken,
gpt
Well, I’m sorry. Step in and shelter. Ye’d be the better for a meal, by the look o’ ye. ’Tis the least I can do for His Majesty, seeing my two rheumy legs kept me fro’ riding to his help.
human
Have you three horses we can borrow, friend?
gpt
Nay, I’ve but two. You’re welcome to them; and they’re sound-footed, which is more than their master can say of himself.
human
I know my way on foot to Ripley, and they may need me there,
gpt
The fields will be packed with danger, lad. Run at my stirrup, till by good luck we find a third horse on the road to York.
human
Let him be, growled the old Squire.
gpt
There’s a lady lives at Ripley. Lovers and drunkards seldom come to harm, they say.
human
Ah, so! For a moment there was a glow of tenderness in Rupert’s sombre eyes.
gpt
It is good to hear the name of lady after the late happenings. Get forward, sir, and guard her.