THE LEGEND OF ROSE ROCHE. 273 



as the first words were, they were distinctly heard by 

 those remotest from the dais.* 



" Noble lords," she said, " I own and thank your 

 courtesy : I ask this holy churchman if I am to exercise 

 free choice in this affair, unshackled with bar, or con- 

 dition, save my own leisure : and if he whom I shall 

 place here," and she pointed to the vacant seat beside 

 her own, which had been reserved for the successful 

 wooer, " shall be supported in all the rights and 

 properties which he shall obtain through me ? " 



" All this," said the Prior, " is fairly stipulated in the 

 intents of this scroll." 



" Then will I not trespass on your patience, noble 

 lords there stands the object of my choice ; and thus 

 do I install him in this seat, as lord and master of Dhu 

 Castle ! " 



She turned to the astonished minstrel as she spoke, 

 and ere her words were ended, the youth was seated at 

 her side. 



A scene of wonder and wild confusion followed most 

 of the Barons protested loudly against her choice ; angry 

 looks and threatening gestures were directed at the 

 minstrel, and more than one sword was half unsheathed. 

 O'Connor seemed thunderstruck and the lady herself 

 was the most collected of the company. 



" How is this, Sir Knights ! " she cried. " Is lordly 

 word and written pledge so lightly held among you, 

 that thus ye violate their sanctity ? Thane of Con- 

 naught," she continued, as she addressed herself to the 

 " Big Man," " thy faith was never questioned, and thy 

 word is held to be sacred as a martyr's vow. When the 

 English King, under pain of confiscation, ordered thee 

 * The place of honour in a Baronial Hall. 



