Page:Walter Scott - The Monastery (Henry Frowde, 1912).djvu/223

RV 155 (Rh) in the act of following her, when she suddenly recollected, that if she did so the strange knight and Halbert must be left alone together, at the risk of another quarrel.

The maiden no sooner observed this circumstance, than she instantly returned from the door of the apartment, and, seating herself in a small stone window-seat, resolved to maintain that curb which she was sensible her presence imposed on Halbert Glendinning, of whose quick temper she had some apprehensions.

The stranger marked her motions, and, either interpreting them as inviting his society, or obedient to those laws of gallantry which permitted him not to leave a lady in silence and solitude, he instantly placed himself near to her side, and opened the conversation as follows:—

'Credit me, fair lady,' he said, addressing Mary Avenel, 'it much rejoiceth me, being, as I am, a banished man from the delights of mine own country, that I shall find here, in this obscure and sylvan cottage of the north, a fair form and a candid soul with whom I may explain my mutual sentiments. And let me pray you in particular, lovely lady, that, according to the universal custom now predominant in our court, the garden of superior wits, you will exchange with me some epithet whereby you may mark my devotion to your service. Be henceforward named, for example, my Protection, and let me be your Affability.'

'Our northern and country manners, sir knight, do not permit us to exchange epithets with those to whom we are strangers,' replied Mary Avenel.

'Nay, but see now,' said the knight, 'how you are startled! even as the unbroken steed, which swerves aside from the shaking of a handkerchief, though he must in time encounter the waving of a pennon. This courtly exchange of epithets of honour is no more than the compliments which pass between valour and beauty, wherever they meet, and under whatever circumstances. Elizabeth of England herself calls Philip Sidney her Courage, and he in return calls that princess his Inspiration. Wherefore, my fair Protection, for by such epithet it shall be mine to denominate you'

'Not without the young lady's consent, sir!' interrupted Halbert; 'most truly do I hope your courtly and quaint