Part 13 (1/2)

”We are supposed to set you a good example,” said Devonet. ”As a start, I will point out that a lady of refinement would not wish to be found so high in a tree.”

”Then I am a lady of refinement well and truly,” said Madouc, ”since I did not wish to be found.”

Chlodys looked speculatively up into the branches. ”Are the cherries ripe?”

”Quite ripe.”

”Are they good?”

”Very good indeed.”

”Since they are handy, you might pick a few for us.”

Madouc selected two cherries and dropped them into Chlodys' hands. ”Here are some the birds have pecked.”

Chlodys looked at the cherries with a wrinkled nose. ”Are there none better?”

”Certainly. If you climb the tree you can pick them.”

Devonet tossed her head. ”I don't care to soil my clothes.”

”As you like.”

Devonet and Chlodys moved to the side, where they settled themselves carefully in the gra.s.s and spoke in low voices. Occasionally they glanced up toward Madouc and giggled as if at some ludicrous consideration.

Madouc presently climbed down through the branches and jumped to the ground. ”How long will you stay at Sarris?”

”We are here at the queen's pleasure,” said Devonet. She looked Madouc up and down, and laughed incredulously. ”You are wearing a boy's breeches!”

Madouc said coldly: ”If you found me in the tree without, you might have more cause for criticism.”

Devonet gave a scornful sniff. ”Now that you are on the ground, you should instantly go change. A pretty frock would be ever so much nicer.”

”Not if I should decide to go out with Tyfer for an hour or two.”

Devonet blinked. ”Oh? Where would you go?”

”Most anywhere. Perhaps along the riverbank.”

Chiodys asked with delicate emphasis: ”Who is 'Tyfer'?”

Madouc gave her a wondering blue-eyed stare. ”What odd things must go on in your mind! Tyfer is my horse. What else could he be?”

Chiodys giggled. ”I was a bit confused.”

Without comment, Madouc turned away.

Devonet called out: ”Where are you going?”

”To the stables.”