Page:Weird Tales Volume 7 Number 1 (1926-01).djvu/65



IN THIS year the good Lady Elfreda died, giving birth to a fair daughter. And the Lord Redwald was sore grieved thereat, and his heart was heavy, for he had loved his lady dearly. Wherefore he retired unto himself for many days, speaking little and mourning his loss, and would not look upon the face of the babe.

Now after a time Lord Redwald's bitterness began to pass from him, and although he did not forget his dear lady, the pain that had been in his heart was assuaged somewhat. And the hounds saw him once more, for he had always been over fond of the chase. And those that lived about him rejoiced to see the shadow depart from his brow. Thus sped the years by and the babe grew into a sweet child and fair to behold. And the Lord Redwald saw how that she was like unto what her mother had been, and therefore he did come to love her with a great love. And likewise all those of Lord Redwald's household did worship her and wait upon her smile.

'T was about this time that the Lord Redwald became troubled about the affairs of his household, the which were not conducted as smoothly as they had been wont when the good lady lived. Wherefore he became of the mind to take unto himself another mate into whose hands he might entrust the keys. Now there lived in a neighboring manor a young widow woman, yclept Matilda, whose husband, a brave knight, had fallen in the wars in Normandy. This lady did the lord Redwald presently wed, making her the mistress of his household; and the two estates became as one, being vastly rich and wide. So was Lord Redwald's mind released from this trouble and he found himself free to order his days as a good knight