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with her proper deportment.
I have already done so ten times. I might as well be talking to the wind.
Hmf. She is no doubt as bored as I. This rusticity is maddening. Where are
the little maids who attend her so nicely at Haidion? They are so dainty and
sweet and nice; Madouc would surely profit from their example.
So one might imagine, in the ordinary case.
Queen Sollace chose another grape. Send off for two or three of these
maidens. Indicate that they are to guide Madouc in a gentle and discreet
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fashion. Time rushes on, and already we must look to the future!
Just so, Your Highness!
Who is that little blond maiden, so winsome and full of pretty wiles? She is
like myself at her age.
That would be Devonet, daughter to Duke Malnoyard Odo of Castle Folize.
Let us have her here at Sarris, and another as well. Who shall it be?
Either Ydraint or Chlodys; I think Chlodys, who is some what more durable. I
will make arrangements at once. Still, you must expect no miracles.
A week later Devonet and Chlodys arrived at Sarris and were instructed by Lady
Desdea. She spoke dryly: The country air has affected Princess Madouc
strangely, as if it were a vital tonic, perhaps to her excessive invigoration.
She has become careless of decorum, and is also somewhat flighty. We hope that
she will profit by the example you set for her, and possibly your carefully
phrased advice.
Devonet and Chlodys went to join Madouc. After long search they found her
perched high in a cherry tree, plucking and eating plump red cherries.
Madouc saw the two without pleasure. I thought that you had gone to your
homes for the summer.
Are they tired of you so soon?
Not at all, said Devonet with dignity. We are here by royal invitation.
Chlodys said: Her Highness feels that you need proper companionship.
Ha, said Madouc. No one asked me what I wanted.
We are supposed to set you a good example, said Devonet. As a start, I will
point out that a lady of refinement would not wish to be found so high in a
tree.
Then I am a lady of refinement well and truly, said Madouc, since I did not
wish to be found.
Chlodys looked speculatively up into the branches. Are the cherries ripe?
Quite ripe.
Are they good?
Very good indeed.
Since they are handy, you might pick a few for us.
Madouc selected two cherries and dropped them into Chlodys hands. Here are
some the birds have pecked.
Chlodys looked at the cherries with a wrinkled nose. Are there none better?
Certainly. If you climb the tree you can pick them.
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Devonet tossed her head. I don t care to soil my clothes.
As you like.
Devonet and Chlodys moved to the side, where they settled themselves carefully
in the grass and spoke in low voices. Occasionally they glanced up toward
Madouc and giggled as if at some ludicrous consideration.
Madouc presently climbed down through the branches and jumped to the ground.
How long will you stay at Sarris?
We are here at the queen s pleasure, said Devonet. She looked Madouc up and
down, and laughed incredulously. You are wearing a boy s breeches!
Madouc said coldly: If you found me in the tree without, you might have more
cause for criticism.
Devonet gave a scornful sniff. Now that you are on the ground, you should
instantly go change. A
pretty frock would be ever so much nicer.
Not if I should decide to go out with Tyfer for an hour or two.
Devonet blinked. Oh? Where would you go?
Most anywhere. Perhaps along the riverbank.
Chiodys asked with delicate emphasis: Who is Tyfer ?
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Madouc gave her a wondering blue-eyed stare. What odd things must go on in
your mind! Tyfer is my horse. What else could he be?
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