Saraband for Two Sisters

“Of course she would warn her. The mob can be terrible when they are on the march. I once saw them taking a witch. It was horrible. There is something frightening about a mob. Ordinary people become like savages when they get together, and what is supposed to be a righteous cause rouses them to madness and cruelty.»

“Your sister is a strange lady,” said Ana.

“Oh, I know her well. I understand her. Sometimes I think we are one person because there are times when it seems that nature divided the human qualities between us and gave all to one of us and none to the other. She is so much cleverer than I. It didn’t occur to me to go for the midwife although I knew that the baby was overdue.

I’m thoughtless I suppose, thinking less of other people.»

“I think you inherited your share of good points, my lady,” said Ana. “Indeed, I should not think your sister has them all. It would be a mistake to think so if some occasion were to arise... .”

I looked at her sharply and she went on: “But I talk too much. Look at the set of this bodice.”

I was mystified as much by her manner as by her words. It was almost as though she were trying to warn me. Warn me against Bersaba! What nonsense! But she did seem fond of me, almost protective, and I was beginning to feel that I had kind friends about me. Senara was anxious to make me happy for my mother’s sake but very soon she would be leaving for Spain. She told me how delighted she was to hear of my sister’s recovery and that if Bersaba had died she would have gone back to be with my mother. Now all was going to be well, it was only a matter of Bersaba’s getting strong again, and it occurred to me that now there was no longer any fear of infection I should soon be returning home.

The night of the ball arrived. I was thrilled to see myself in the most elaborate and exquisite ball dress I had ever possessed. Ana came in to make sure that Mab had helped me dress in the right manner. She whispered to me that she would have liked to do my hair herself but her ladyship was demanding her full attention. She glanced with approval at the dress and said I did it credit but she was not quite happy about my hair and was going to find some time to come to me and do it as it should be. She came in due course and combed my curled fringe in the right manner and my long thick hair was coiled up at the back of my head.

The Mallard residence was a large mansion with gardens which ran down to the river. Our hosts received us and looks of interest were bestowed on me before we passed on. People gathered around Sir Gervaise and Carlotta, who appeared to be very well known, and I was introduced to a young man gloriously attired in breeches of satin the shape of the bellows we used at home for getting the fire to burn and I laughed to myself to wonder what he would think of such a homely description, for they were of pale blue satin tied at the knee with a bunch of multicolored ribbons. He was a little languid and I was afraid that I was out of step in the dance, which seemed to surprise him. I was relieved when the dancing stopped abruptly and there was a sudden silence over the ballroom. This heralded the arrival of the King and Queen. The company immediately formed itself into two lines through which the royal party passed, and I had the privilege of getting a close view of their Majesties. The King was undoubtedly handsome, with clear-cut features, a well-trimmed beard, and hair which curled on his shoulders. He looked kindly but stern, and although his stature was not great there was about him such an air of dignity that I would have known him in any gathering as the King. As for the Queen, she had a fascination of her own, largely due to a vitality which was apparent even in her smile. She was far from good-looking, for her nose was long and her prominent teeth not good, but she had large dark eyes, which shone with interest in all about her, and her pale skin was smooth and delicate.

I felt deeply moved as I swept the curtsy I had been instructed in while they passed on. And I thought, “How I shall enjoy telling Bersaba this!” I had lost my languid gallant, who had doubtless taken the opportunity to find a more sophisticated partner. While I was feeling rather lost, and looking for Senara or Sir Gervaise, a voice close to me said, “So we meet again.” And standing before me was the man who had rescued me from the alley.

I felt myself flushing with pleasure and a certain tingling excitement which he inspired. He went on: “It occurred to me that we should meet again before long.”

“I hope,” I answered, “that I thanked you adequately.”

“You did indeed. Your appreciation was apparent Do you care to dance?”

“I enjoy it but I am not so practiced in the Court dances as I should like to be.»