I knew far too well what was becoming
to allow myself to suppose for a moment that Eustace thought an
inclination between the two already could exist. I forgot how things
had been broken up in England.
As to Annora, she thought Eustace's right place was with the Prince,
and she would not stretch out a finger to hold him back, only she
longed earnestly that he would take us with him. Could he not
persuade our mother that France was becoming dangerous, and that she
would be safe in Holland? But of course he only laughed at that; and
we all saw that unless the Queen of England chose to follow her sons,
there was no chance of my mother leaving the Court.
'No, my sister,' said Eustace tenderly, 'there is nothing for you to
do but to endure patiently. It is very hard for you to be both firm
and resolute, and at the same time dutiful; but it is a noble part in
its very difficulty, and my Nan will seek strength for it.'
Then the girl pressed up to him, and told him that one thing he must
promise her, namely, that he would prevent my mother from disposing
of her hand without his consent.
'As long as you are here I am safe,' said she; 'but when you are gone
I do not know what she may attempt. And here is this Solivet son of
hers coming too!'
'Solivet has no power over you,' said Eustace. 'You may make
yourself easy, Nan. Nobody can marry you without my consent, for my
father made me your guardian.
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