human
Gad, here’s Blake! laughed Kit Metcalf.
gpt
Blake, the rider—I saw him bring the Metcalfs into Oxford.
human
Life has its compensations. I shall remember that ride down Oxford High Street until I die, I think. Lady Ingilby, I’ve a message from your husband, for your private ear.
gpt
He was always a good lover. You can give his message to the public ear.
human
He escaped from Marston with twenty men, and hid in Wilstrop Wood. There was carnage there, but your lord escaped. And afterwards he fell in with Prince Rupert, returning with volunteers from the garrison at York. He bids me tell you he is safe.
gpt
Was that all his message, Mr. Blake?
human
No, it was not all, but—but the rest is for your private ear, believe me.
gpt
I—am very tired. My courage needs some open praise. What was my lord’s message?
human
Gentlemen, it was a vastly tender message. I am proud, and—and a woman again, I think, after all this discipline of war. My husband bids me hold Ripley Castle for as long as may be, if the Metcalfs come.
gpt
There never was much ’if’ about a Metcalf, said the old Squire.
human
Our word was pledged before ever Marston Fight began.
gpt
Oh, he knew as much, but you forget, sir, that many hindrances might have come between your pledged word and yourselves. You might have died to a man, as the Whitecoats did—God rest them.
human
True. We might all have died. As it is, there are many gaps that will have to be explained to the goodwife up in Yoredale.
gpt
Such gaps need no explaining. They are filled by a golden light, and in the midst of it a rude wooden cross, and over it the words ’For Valour.’ There, gentlemen, I weary you with dreams. Lest you think me fanciful, let me fill your glasses for you. It will do you no harm to drink deep to-night, and the sentries are ready at their posts.