After a moment of hesitation, she flew up to her saddle like a bird. "Do you
all think so?" she laughed. "Certainly I never felt in lustier spirits. I
declare that I will try it. Hasten, before the roses wilt in my cheeks.
Forward! To the Palace!"
Chapter XXVI
In The Judgment Hall
Strong is the bar
That must be raised
To admit all.
Ha'vama'l.
While he kept a firm hold upon the spear which he had dropped like a gilded
bar across the door, the English sentinel repeated for the tenth time his
respectful denial: "I will take it upon me to admit you to the gallery, noble
lady; but you were the Queen herself, I dare not let you in to the lower part.
There be none but men with the King, and it is not fitting--"
"And is the son of a Saxon serf to decide where it is fitting for me to go?"
the Lady of Northampton demanded, facing him in a tempest of angry beauty.
"Whatsoever you shall do by my direction, dog, will in all respects be
available to your credit. Let me through to my husband, or I can tell you that
you will find your wariness terribly misplaced!"
The guard discreetly held his tongue,--but he likewise held his position.
Elfgiva's bosom was beginning to heave in hysterical menace when a second
soldier, lounging against the wall behind the first, ventured a soothing word.
"For your own safety, noble one, ask it not.
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