Julie still walked, showing
no sign of a wish for the cart again. John noticed that she was very
strong, or at least very enduring. Suddenly he felt a great obligation
to take care of her for the sake of Lannes. The sister of his
comrade-in-arms was a precious trust in his hands, and he must not
fail.
The wind shifted and blew toward the east, no longer bringing the sound
of guns. Instead they heard a bird now and then, chattering or singing
in a tree. The illusion of the Middle Ages returned to John. They were a
peaceful troupe, going upon a peaceful errand.
"Don't tell me there isn't a castle at Menouville," he said. "I know
there is, although I've never been there, and I never heard of the place
before. When we arrive the drawbridge will be down and the portcullis
up. All the men-at-arms will have burnished their armor brightly and
will wait respectfully in parallel rows to welcome us as we pass
between. His Grace, the Duke of Light Heart, in a suit of red velvet
will be standing on the steps, and Her Graciousness, the Duchess, in a
red brocade dress, with her hair powdered and very high on her head,
will be by his side to greet our merry troupe. Behind them will be all
the ducal children, and the knights and squires and pages, and ladies. I
think they will all be very glad to see us, because in these Middle Ages
of ours, life, even in a great ducal castle, is somewhat lonely.
Visitors are too rare, and there is not the variety of interest that
even the poor will have in a later time.
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