Page:The Way of a Virgin.djvu/151

Rh fear. Whereat the mother addressed the Judge, saying:

"Monseigneur, thou hast heard the confession of my daughter, and the defence of my son-in-law. I beg of thee give judgement forthwith."

The Judge gave orders for a bed to be prepared in his house, the couple to lie on it together; and he commanded the bride boldly to lay hold of the tilting staff, and put it where it was ordered to go. When this judgement was delivered, the mother said:

"I thank thee, my lord; thou hast judged well. Come, my child, do what thou shouldst, and take heed to obey the Judge, and put the lance where it should be put."

"I am satisfied," answered the daughter, "to put it where it ought to go, but it may rot there ere I take it out again."