Now lay his head down again, my child. No: better not. Heres Janet. Sakes girl! Dont stand staring. Put the basin here. Some strips of linen. Thats right, child, he continued, as Mace snatched off her white kerchief and tore it up.
It weighs full thirty pounds, cried a hearty voice in the entry. Hey, hallo, whats wrong? A wounded man?
Ay! cried the founder. Quick, Gil, you are a good chirurgeon; and the new-comer to wit, Maces companion on the Pool strode in, went down on one knee, and without a word dipped a portion of the linen in the cold water, removed the blood, and with the skill of an adept made a couple of pads, and cleverly bound up the wound.
Give him a little of the strong waters, he cried, and the founder hurriedly fetched a flask and held a glass to the wounded mans lips before the new-comer said briefly, How was it?
Oh, he angered and drew on me, and we had a few passes, cried the founder. My own fault, too.
It is a mere nothing, said the other. Why Mace, my child, dont look so white. He is a soldier evidently, and hell bear it like a man.
Am I white, Gil? said the girl, looking up and smiling sadly, as she thought of how her life seemed cast among warlike weapons and their works. I am not frightened, only troubled. Father, dear, this is so sad.
It is, it is, my child. Id have given half I have sooner than it should have happened. Hush, hes coming to.
For just then the injured man sighed, opened his eyes wonderingly, gazed upwards to see who supported him, and lowered his lids again, saying softly
The face of an angel: is this Heaven?
Oh, no, cried the amateur surgeon, frowning slightly as he saw Mace colour, and if you were here sometimes, when friend Cobbe is casting cannon, youd think it was the other place. Come, sir, let me help you up. It is a mere flesh wound, and will only smart.
Thank you, I can rise, said Sir Mark, reddening, as he made an effort and rose without assistance; but the room seemed to swim round, and he staggered and would have fallen, had not his surgeon caught him by the uninjured arm, and helped him to a seat, letting him gently down into a half-reclining position.
As he did so the eyes of the two young men met, and Gilbert Carr, as he gazed into those of his patient, felt a strange sense of mistrust pass over him like a foreboding of coming trouble; while on the other side, as the smooth young courtier looked into the bright, clear grey eyes, and scanned the dark, bronzed visage bending over him, he felt that they two would be enemies for a womans sake.
Thats it thats better, said Gilbert Carr, quietly. You need have no fear for the consequences, sir. It is a clean cut, and will soon heal in our pure, fresh air.
I thank you, said Sir Mark, rather stiffly; I do not fear. Madam, I grieve to have caused you this trouble, he continued, addressing Mace, who stood close by.
Nay, sir; pray do not say that. It is we who are grieved my father.
Ay, shes right, said Cobbe, advancing. My brave lad, I feel ashamed to face you after such a stroke.
Ashamed! said Sir Mark, with a quiet glance at Mace; and then, seeing his advantage, he said, smiling as he held out his uninjured hand, Never be ashamed, sir, of so gallant a handling of your sword. They tell me in London I can fence, and that enemies who have fought make the best of friends.
You are a brave true gentleman, sir, cried the
founder, wringing the outstretched hand; and I humbly ask your forgiveness for my choler. I was hot and angry. There, God bless the King; and I beg his Majestys pardon for what I said.
It is granted, said Sir Mark, smiling faintly, for he will never know.
Now let me say a word, said Gil, who had been uneasily looking on. Fever may come on if he is excited. Take my advice, sir, lie back and go to sleep. Mace no, here is Janet fetch a pillow for this gentleman.
The girl ran out, and returned bearing one of snowy hue, which Gil adjusted beneath the wounded mans head.
Now, sir, sleep for awhile, and you will be refreshed. Your arm is all right. I have dressed many a sword-cut in my time.
Thanks, said Sir Mark, faintly; but some one will stay with me in the room?
He glanced at Mace.
Of course, said the founder. Mace, my child.
Yes, said Gil, quietly, go away, Mace; Janet will stay and watch by this gentlemans side.
Mace glanced at him wonderingly, and Janet coloured with pleasure as, frowning slightly, Sir Mark closed his eyes, and the girl half drew the blind, while, headed by the founder, after removing all traces of the conflict, Gilbert Carr and Mace went softly out, and closed the door.
Why do you look at me like that? said Mace, as they stood alone. Gil, do you doubt me?
Doubt you? he said softly as he bent down and kissed her white forehead. No, I could not, for you are not as other women are. I did not wish you, though, to be tendant to this spark from the Court, for such he seems to be. Nay, Mace, Ive no jealousy in me. But there is your pike, he added, pointing to the fish, a great fellow four feet long, which lay on the red bricks at their feet. Here is your father, and hell tell us how the quarrel rose.