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She stopped with a half laugh. "'Twas but a fancy," she said.
"Perchance he has known naught since that night he fell at my feet--
and even so, poor gentleman, he hath a happy fate. Yes, I will wear
gay colours," flinging up her arms as if she dropped fetters, and
stretched her beauteous limbs for ease--"gay colours--and roses and
rich jewels--and all things--ALL that will make me beautiful!"
The next day there came a chest from London, packed close with
splendid raiment; when she drove out again in her chariot her
servants' sad-coloured liveries had been laid by, and she was
attired in rich hues, amidst which she glowed like some flower new
bloomed.
Her house in town was thrown open again, and set in order for her
coming. She made her journey back in state, Mistress Anne
accompanying her in her travelling-coach. As she passed over the
highroad with her equipage and her retinue, or spent the night for
rest at the best inns in the towns and villages, all seemed to know
her name and state.
"'Tis the young widow of the Earl of Dunstanwolde," people said to
each other--"she that is the great beauty, and of such a wit and
spirit that she is scarce like a mere young lady. 'Twas said she
wed him for his rank; but afterwards 'twas known she made him a
happy gentleman, though she gave him no heir. She wore weeds for
him beyond the accustomed time, and is but now issuing from her
retirement."
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