The response of Lady Marguerite brought a cherubic smile to Essa's face. Recalling her manners, she had risen once when the Lady came into the room Now she looked for all the world as does a child who has completed a task successfully and has been warmly praised by her parents. The dimples were back, and her eyes shown once again. Suddenly her eyes became more normal, and her face lost some of its sparkle.
"Lady Marguerite, I would ask a boon of thee. If it pleaseth thee, may I visit thee and Sir Felippe from time to time? I want nothing from either of thee, except to talk occasionally. For there is much about thee that I admire, and much that even one such as I have yet to learn and can learn from such delightful and kindly people as thee and he." Her face had a pleading look.
Just then Sir Felippe entered carrying the Lady of the house. Invited to sit, they all did. The conversation began as did the meal, and it was warm and relaxing. Breakfast took much longer than had been the custom in Essa's home, and it was approaching midmorn before they finished.
Essa continued to enjoy the company of Lady Marguerite, along with that of Lady Audren. The elder woman remained with them for a time, but then asked to retire. Sir Felippe carried her back to her bed, and before long she was once again fast asleep. Still, even so slight a meal and good milk as she had enjoyed seemed to have worked some change. Her skin held a fresher look and better color, and Essa determined to see that she had time out of doors to enjoy a little sunshine. She spoke of this to Marguerite.
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