Читать книгу Superstition Corner онлайн

38 страница из 47

"Is this how were to spend the evening?" asked Lady Elisabeth, who did not like to see her husband make an exhibition of himself. "I think we have all talked enough. Is there to be no music?"

"I will play for you," said Oxenbrigge.

"Aye, Kit. Take your lute and play to her ladyship while I lay out the land with Mounseer Douce."

The servants had cleared the table of plates and food, and Squire Alard could spread his great map of Conster in the light of the four tall candles that had shone upon their meal. Oxenbrigge wanted no light for his singing and playing. He picked up his lute from the window-seat and came over and sat by Lady Elisabeth in the shadows beside her idle spinningwheel.

§ IV

"What shall I play?"

"Play me a lavolta."

His long, strong fingers shook the strings into a lively dance. In the shelter of it they could talk.

"Well," she said, "and are you pleased with your bride?"

"Which bride?"

"The conjurer gave you Kate in marriage."

"Indeed! I thought he said her bridegroom was to be rich."