Page:Romance & Reality 2.pdf/207

Rh race, resigned not so easily the sway for which youth, beauty, and the world had been sacrificed. She refused admittance to the messengers; defied the authority which attempted to dispossess her; and pursued her usual course of rule and faith, as if neither had been gainsayed. "As bold a Neville as ever buckled on spur or sword! She denies my right, and appeals to the pope," said the haughty monarch, throwing down her scroll. "Read ye ever such a bead-roll of curses? Come, Sir John Arundel, they say you fear neither man nor devil; let's see if you fear woman? Clear me out this convent, and keep its candlesticks for your pains." The knight needed no second command: he ordered a band of his stanchest followers to horse—men who had fought by his side in Flanders, and there learnt more reverence for Sir Captain than Sir Priest. They staid a short while in the hostel of the village; for mine host's Canary smacked, as the jesting soldiers said, of a monkish neighbourhood. When Sir John mounted again, he somewhat regretted the delay; for the night was falling—and, besides, it gave time for the daring prioress to