Page:Tales from Chaucer.djvu/225

 ceremony, and of the expected and unknown Marchioness. So while she was standing on the threshold of her own door, surrounded by her village companions, the Marquis drew near and called her out by name. Immediately she set down her water-pot in an ox's stall close by the threshold, and on her knees before the Lord, with a sober and steady look, waited his command.

The Marquis, in a sedate and thoughtful tone, asked where her father was. 'My Lord,' said she, 'he is ready here to do your will:' and, without farther delay, she led him forth. Then, taking this poor man aside by the hand, he said: 'Janicola! I can no longer conceal the pleasant wish of my heart: if you consent, I will, before I leave this place, take your daughter for my wife until my life's end. As my faithful liegeman, I know your attachment and love for me; say then, do you accept my proposal to become your son-in-law?'

The suddenness of this appeal so amazed poor Janicola, that, blushing with confusion and abashment, he stood trembling in the presence of his liege Lord; and all he could answer