CHAPTER XXIII--THE CANKERED OAK GALL 



That Walter was no fool, though that him list To change his wif, for it was for the best; For she is fairer, so they demen all, Than his Griselde, and more tendre of age. 

CHAUCER, The Clerke's Tale. 

It was on an early autumn evening when the belfry stood out beautiful against the sunset sky, and the storks with their young fledglings were wheeling homewards to their nest on the roof, that Leonard was lying on the deep oriel window of the guest-chamber, and Grisell sat opposite to him with a lace pillow on her lap, weaving after the pattern of Wilton for a Church vestment. 

"The storks fly home," he said. "I marvel whether we have still a home in England, or ever shall have one!" 

"I heard tell that the new King of France is friendly to the Queen and her son," said Grisell. 

"He is near of kin to them, but he must keep terms with this old Duke who sheltered him so long. Still, when he is firm fixed on his throne he may yet bring home our brave young Prince and set the blessed King on his throne once more." 

"Ah! You love the King." 

"I revere him as a saint, and feel as though I drew my sword in a holy cause when I fight for him," said Leonard, raising himself with glittering eyes. 

"And the Queen?" 

"Queen Margaret! Ah! by my troth she is a dame who makes swords fly out of their scabbards by her brave stirring words and her noble mien. Her bright eyes and undaunted courage fire each man's heart in her cause till there is nothing he would not do or dare, ay, or give up for her, and those she loves better than herself, her husband, and her son."  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. What time of year does the story take place?
2. The story takes place at what time of the year?
3. 
Q2:
1. What is the location of Grisell and Leonard?
2. Where are Leonard and Grisell located?
3. 
Q3:
1. Where in the guest-chamber is Leonard lying?
2. Leonard is lying in which part of the guest-chamber?
3. 
Q4:
1. Which person is kind to the Queen and her son?
2. The Queen and her son are treated with kindness by which person?
3. 
Q5:
1. Which member of royalty needs to be brought back home?
2. What member of royalty needs to be brought back home by the new King of France?
3. 
Q6:
1. How do Leonard and Grisell feel towards the new King of France?
2. What feelings do Leonard and Grisell have regarding the new King of France?
3. 
Q7:
1. How do Leonard and Grisell view the Queen?
2. What is the Queen regarded as by Leonard and Grisell?
3. 
Q8:
1. Where do Leonard and Grisell wish to have home?
2. What is the name of the country where Leonard and Grisell wish to have a home in?
3. 
Q9:
1. What type of object is Grisell holding on her lap?
2. Grisell is holding what type of object on her lap?
3. 
Q10:
1. What kind of animal are Grisell and Leonard watching fly away?
2. Grisell and Leonard are watching what type of animal fly away?
3. 
