He went on as if speaking to himself:
“The sick and wounded lie on heaps of straw in the village streets or drag their mangled limbs along the highways. Filthy inns are filled with troops, doors and window frames are torn from almost every house, and furniture is burnt or smashed.”
Wivina gave a little cry.
“I have indeed thought of it! I have understood what our men have suffered, while we have done so little – so very little in return.”
“That is why I am asking you to help me now.”
He realised he was being unfair to the girl, but he knew it was essential to get a foothold in Larkswell and where better, seeing what he had just overheard, than Larks Hall itself?
He saw the indecision in Wivina’s face, the conflict in her mind and he knew once again from the twisting of her fingers th
