so far forgotten himself as to run halfway down the hillock for a nearer view.The flash of movement in the corner of her eye caused her to start and lookround, and seeing him, she came suddenly to life in the piteous contemplationof an innocent even more wretched than herself. For an instant she stared athim with nothing but horrified compassion, and then, seeing that she mistookhim, seeing that he looked up at her smiling, she smiled too. It lasted onlythe twinkling of an eye, but for that while she shone with a warm, bright,grieving kindness; and before the clear sky clouded again she had leaned acrossher aunt’s saddle-bow, and tossed a handful of small coins into the grass atthe child’s feet. Bran was so enchanted that he could not even stoop to pickthem up, but followed her progress wide-eyed and open-mouthed as she passed by.

No one else in the company offered largesse here. No doubt it was beingreserved to make a greater impression at the abbey gatehouse, where there wouldcertainly be a crowd of hopeful beggars waiting.

For no very sound reason, Cadfael turned from the child to look at the oldman Lazarus. Bran could afford to take candid delight in the bright colors andpretty clothes of those more fortunate than himself, without envy or greed, butthe old in experience might well find a bitter flavor in viewing impossiblefruit. The old man had not moved, except that as the riders passed by his headturned to hold those three in sight, with never a glance to spare for thegentlewomen and servants who followed. The eyes staring betweenhood and veil glittered pale, brilliant and blue as ice, unblinking, as long asthe bride remained in sight. When even the last pack-pony had vanished roundthe curve of the Foregate, he still stood motionless, as though the intentnessof his stare could follow them as far as the gatehouse, and pierce the walls tokeep unbroken watch on them within.

Brother Mark drew long and rueful breath, and turned to gaze wonderingly atCadfael. “And that is she? And they mean to marry her to that man? He could beher grandsire— and no gentle or kindly one, either. How can such things be?” Hestared along the road as the old man was staring. “So small, and so young! Anddid you see her face—how sad! This is not with her will!”