He feared to look at the missionary, who sat, evidently little concerned about Ailred of Zurrich, wrapped in meditation.

His heart had grown cold when, on entering the room, as he glanced around, he missed the Lady Margaret.

Was she sick?
Was the prophecy to be so swiftly consummated?
He maintained his position unnoticed, save by the domestic who offered him wine, until the diligent seneschal had spread a long table, which soon presented a most tempting appearance.

Venison, boar's flesh, fish, fowl, pastries of various kinds, and generous bowls of wine, proclaimed the hospitality of the proud baron.

Father Omehr blessed the board, but declined participating in the repast.
Sir Sandrit forced the troubadour to sit at his side, while Gilbert occupied a seat at the lower end of the table, among the dependents of the house; for the arrival of a minstrel was one of those momentous occasions when the lord of the fee welcomed his retainers to his own board, and extended equal favor and protection to the highest and the lowest.