At
this action, Grimsby presumed to ride up, and bowing respectfully,
said, that before he followed her to Paris, it would be right for the
Count de Valois to know whom he had taken into his train; "one, madam,
who has been degraded by King Edward; degraded," added he, "but not
debased; that last disgrace depends on myself; and I should shrink from
your protection rather than court it, were I indeed vile."
"You have too well proved your integrity, Grimsby," replied Helen, "to
doubt it now; but what has the Count de Valois to do with your being
under my protection? It is not to him we go, but to the French king."
"And is not that knight with the diadem," inquired Grimsby, "the Count
de Valois? The servants at Chateau Galliard told me he was so."
Surprised at this, Helen said the knight should answer for himself; and
quickening the step of her horse, followed by Grimsby, rejoined his
side.
When she informed Wallace of what had passed, he called the soldier to
approach. "Grimsby," said he, "you have claims upon me which should
insure you my protection were I even insensible to the honorable
principles you have just declared to Lady Helen.
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