"Sybilla," she said, "you will come with us to Scotland. I have many
castles there, and, they tell me, a princessdom of mine own. We shall
all be happy together and forget these ill times. Maud and I can never
repay that which you have done for us."
"Yes, I pray you come with us," said Maud, a little more slowly, "we
will be your sisters, and the ill times shall not come again."
The Lady Sybilla smiled a sad subtle smile and shook her head.
"I thank you. I thank you more than you know. It eases my heart that
you should forgive a woman such as I for all the evil she has brought
you and yours. But I am now no fit companion for you or any. I am
become but a wandering shape, speaking to one who cannot answer, and
seeking him whom I can never find."
The little Maid, being but a child, mistook her meaning.
"No, no," she cried, "your life is not done. If the one whom you love
hath left you unkindly--well, bide awhile, and when the first smart is
passed, we will marry you to some braver and more handsome knight.
There are many such in Scotland.
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