These two were sitting hand in
hand, as was their wont, and the head of the child was bowed almost to
her friend's knee. Maud's arm was about Margaret's neck, and her
fingers caressed the childish tangle of hair. Presently the elder
lifted the younger upon her knee and hushed her like a mother who
puts a tired child to sleep.
Immediately behind this group, in the shadow of a buttress, Laurence
saw a tall man, masked, clad in a black suit, and with a drawn sword
in his hand.
The marshal looked out over the lad's shoulder.
"The day you are missed from the Castle of Machecoul, or the day that
the rest of your company arrives here, that sword shall fall, but in a
more terrible fashion than I can tell you! That sentinel can neither
hear nor speak, but he has his orders and will obey them. I bid you
good night. Go to your singing in the choir. It is time for the
chanting of vespers in the chapel of the Holy Innocents."
CHAPTER LII
THE JESTING OF LA MEFFRAYE
It was in the White Tower of Machecoul that the Scottish maidens were
held at the mercy of the Lord of Retz.
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