its gate. In answer to the bell, a door opened, and an aged dame
appeared to ask St. Hilda's Abbess to rest here with her nuns until a
barque was provided to bear her back to Whitby.

The courtesy of the Scottish Prioress was most joyfully received, and
the delighted maidens gladly left their palfreys; but when Lady Clara
attempted to dismount, Fitz-Eustace gently refused, saying:

"I grieve, fair lady, to separate you from your friends. Think it no
discourtesy of mine, but lords' commands must be obeyed, and Marmion and
Douglas order that you shall return directly to your kinsman,
Lord Fitz-Clare."

The startled Abbess loud exclaimed, but Clara was speechless and deadly
pale.

"Cheer thee, my child!" the Abbess cried; "they dare not tear thee from
my care, to ride alone among soldiers."

"Nay, nay, holy mother," interrupted Fitz-Eustace, "the lovely lady,
while in Scotland, will be the immediate ward of Lady Angus Douglas, and
when she rides to England, female attendance will be provided befitting
the heir of Gloster. My Lord Marmion will not address Lady Clare by word
or look."

He blushed as he spoke, but truth and honor were painted in his face,
and the maiden's fear was relieved. The Abbess entreated, threatened,
wept, prayed to saint and to martyr, then called upon the Prioress for
aid. The grave Cistercian replied: