CHAPTER XXI 

 

BETTY STATES HER CASE

Seven days had passed, during which time Margaret and her father had 

rested quietly in the prison, where, indeed, they dwelt more as guests 

than as captives. Thus they were allowed to receive what visitors they 

would, and among them Juan Bernaldez, Castell's connection and agent, 

who told them of all that passed without. Through him they sent 

messengers to meet Betty on her road and apprise her of how things 

stood, and of the trial in which her cause would be judged. 

Soon the messengers returned, stating that the "Marchioness of Morella" 

was travelling in state, accompanied by a great retinue, that she 

thanked them for their tidings, and hoped to be able to defend herself 

at all points. 

At this news Castell stared and Margaret laughed, for, although she did 

not know all the story, she was sure that in some way Betty had the 

mastery of Morella, and would not be easily defeated, though how she 

came to be travelling with a great retinue she could not imagine. Still, 

fearing lest she should be attacked or otherwise injured, she wrote a 

humble letter to the queen, praying that her cousin might be defended 

from all danger at the hands of any one whomsoever until she had an 

opportunity of giving evidence before their Majesties. 

Within an hour came the answer that the lady was under the royal 

protection, and that a guard had been sent to escort her and her party 

and to keep her safe from interference of any sort; also, that for her 

greater comfort, quarters had been prepared for her in a fortress 

outside of Seville, which would be watched night and day, and whence she 

would be brought to the court. 

Peter was still kept apart from them, but each day at noon they were 

allowed to meet him in the walled garden of the prison, where they 

talked together to their heart's content. Here, too, he exercised 

himself daily at all manly games, and especially at sword-play with some 

of the other prisoners, using sticks for swords. Further, he was allowed 

the use of his horse that he had ridden from Granada, on which he 

jousted in the yard of the castle with the governor and certain other 

gentlemen, proving himself better at that play than any of them. These 

things he did vigorously and with ardour, for Margaret had told him of 

the hint which the queen gave her, and he desired to get back his full 

strength, and to perfect himself in the handling of every arm which was 

used in Spain. 

So the time went by, until one afternoon the governor informed them that