第6章

ItwasnearlynoonwhenMyleswasawakenedfromafitfulsleepbyGascoynebringinginhisdinner，but，asmightbesupposed，hehadbutlittlehunger，andatesparingly。Hehadhardlyendedhisfrugalmealbeforehistwosquiresofhonorcamein，followedbyaservantcarryingthegarmentsforthecomingceremony。Hesalutedthemgravely，andthenarising，washedhisfaceandhandsinabasinwhichGascoyneheld；thenkneeledinprayer，theothersstandingsilentatalittledistance。Ashearose，LordGeorgecameforward。

"TheKingandthecompanycomepresentlytotheGreatHall，Myles，"saidhe；"itisneedfulfortheetomakeallthehastethatthouartable。"

PerhapsneverhadDevlenCastleseenamorebrilliantandgoodlycompanygatheredinthegreathallthanthatwhichcametowitnessKingHenrycreateMylesFalworthaknightbachelor。

Attheupperendofthehallwasaraiseddais，uponwhichstoodathronecoveredwithcrimsonsatinandembroideredwithlionsandflower—deluces；itwastheKing’sseat。Heandhispersonalattendantshadnotyetcome，buttherestofthecompanyweregathered。Thedaybeingwarmandsultry，thebalconywasallaflutterwiththefeatherfansoftheladiesofthefamilyandtheirattendants，whofromthishighplacelookeddownuponthehallbelow。Upthecentreofthehallwaslaidacarpetofarras，andthepassagewasprotectedbywoodenrailings。Upontheonesideweretiersofseatsforthecastlegentlefolksandtheguests。Upontheotherstoodtheburghersfromthetown，cladinsoberdunandrusset，andyeomanryingreenandbrown。Thewholeofthegreatvaultedhallwasfullofthedullhumofmanypeoplewaiting，andaceaselessrestlessnessstirredthecrowdedthrong。

ButatlastawhisperwentaroundthattheKingwascoming。A

momentaryhushfell，andthroughitwasheardthenoisyclatterofhorses’feetcomingnearerandnearer，andthenstoppingbeforethedoor。Thesuddenblareoftrumpetsbrokethroughthehush；anotherpause，andtheninthroughthegreatdoor—wayofthehallcametheroyalprocession。

Firstofallmarched，intheorderoftheirrank，andtothenumberofascoreormore，certaingentlemen，esquiresandknights，chosenmostlyfromtheKing’sattendants。Behindthesecametwopursuivants—at—armsintabards，andfollowingthemapartyofadozenmorebanneretsandbarons。Behindtheseagain，alittlespaceintervening，cametwoheralds，alsointabards，agroupofthegreaternoblesattendantupontheKingfollowingintheorderoftheirrank。NextcametheKing—at—armsand，atalittledistanceandwalkingwithsoberslowness，theKinghimself，withtheEarlandtheCountdirectlyattendantuponhim——theonemarchingupontherighthandandtheotherupontheleft。Abreathlesssilencefilledthewholespaceastheroyalprocessionadvancedslowlyupthehall。Throughthestillnesscouldbeheardthemuffledsoundofthefootstepsonthecarpet，thedryrustlingofsilkandsatingarments，andtheclearclinkandjingleofchainsandjewelledornaments，butnotthesoundofasinglevoice。

AfterthemomentortwoofbustleandconfusionoftheKingtakinghisplacehadpassed，anotherlittlespaceofexpectantsilencefell。Atlasttheresuddenlycamethenoiseofacclamationofthosewhostoodwithoutthedoor——cheeringandtheclappingofhands——soundsheraldingtheimmediateadventofMylesandhisattendants。Thenextmomentthelittlepartyenteredthehall。

Firstofall，Gascoyne，bearingMyles’sswordinbothhands，thehiltrestingagainsthisbreast，thepointelevatedatanangleofforty—fivedegrees。Itwassheathedinacrimsonscabbard，andthebeltofSpanishleatherstuddedwithsilverbosseswaswoundcrosswisearoundit。Fromthehiltofthesworddangledthegiltspursofhiscomingknighthood。AtalittledistancebehindhissquirefollowedMyles，thecentreofallobservation。Hewascladinanovitiatedress，arrangedunderLordGeorge’spersonalsupervision。Ithadbeenmadesomewhatdifferentlyfromthefashionusualatsuchtimes，andwasintendedtoindicateinamannerthecandidate’sextremeyouthfulnessandvirginityinarms。Theoutergarmentwasatabardrobeofwhitewool，embroideredatthehemwithfinelinesofsilver，andgatheredlooselyatthewaistwithabeltoflavenderleatherstitchedwiththreadofsilver。Beneathhewascladinarmor（apresentfromtheEarl），newandpolishedtillitshonewithdazzlingbrightness，thebreastplatecoveredwithajupponofwhitesatin，embroideredwithsilver。BehindMyles，anduponeitherhand，camehissquiresofhonor，sponsors，andfriends——alittlecompanyofsomehalf—dozeninall。Astheyadvancedslowlyupthegreat，dim，high—vaultedroom，thewholemultitudebrokeforthintoahummingbuzzofapplause。Thenasuddenclappingofhandsbegannearthedoor—way，randownthroughthelengthoftheroom，andwastakenupbyallwithnoisyclatter。

"SawIneveryouthsocomely，"whisperedoneoftheLadyAnne’sattendantgentlewomen。"SurehelookethasSirGalahadlookedwhenhecamefirsttoKingArthur’scourt。"

Mylesknewthathewasverypale；hefeltratherthansawtherestlesscrowdoffacesuponeitherside，forhiseyeswerefixeddirectlybeforehim，uponthedaiswhereonsattheKing，withtheEarlofMackworthstandingathisrighthand，theComtedeVermoiseupontheleft，andtheothersrangedaroundandbehindthethrone。ItwaswiththesametensefeelingofdreamyunrealitythatMyleswalkedslowlyupthelengthofthehall，measuringhisstepsbythoseofGascoyne。SuddenlyhefeltLordGeorgeBeaumonttouchhimlightlyuponthearm，andalmostinstinctivelyhestoppedshort——hewasstandingjustbeforethecoveredstepsofthethrone。

HesawGascoynemounttothethirdstep，stopshort，kneel，andoffertheswordandthespurshecarriedtotheKing，whotooktheweaponandlaiditacrosshisknees。Thenthesquirebowedlow，andwalkingbackwardwithdrewtooneside，leavingMylesstandingalonefacingthethrone。TheKingunlockedthespurchainsfromthesword—hilt，andthen，holdingthegiltspursinhishandforamoment，helookedMylesstraightintheeyesandsmiled。Thenheturned，andgaveoneofthespurstotheEarlofMackworth。

TheEarltookitwithalowbow，turned，andcameslowlydownthestepstowhereMylesstood。Kneelingupononeknee，andplacingMyles’sfootupontheother，LordMackworthsetthespurinitsplaceandlatchedthechainovertheinstep。HedrewthesignofthecrossuponMyles’sbendedknee，setthefootbackupontheground，rosewithslowdignity，andbowingtotheKing，drewalittletooneside。

AssoonastheEarlhadfulfilledhisofficetheKinggavethesecondspurtotheComtedeVermoise，whosetittoMyles’sotherfootwiththesameceremonythattheEarlhadobserved，withdrawingashehaddonetooneside。

Aninstantpauseofmotionlesssilencefollowed，andthentheKingslowlyarose，andbegandeliberatelytounwindthebeltfromaroundthescabbardoftheswordheheld。Assoonashestood，theEarlandtheCountadvanced，andtakingMylesbyeitherhand，ledhimforwardandupthestepsofthedaistotheplatformabove。Astheydrewalittletooneside，theKingstoopedandbuckledthesword—beltaroundMyles’swaist，then，risingagain，liftedhishandandstruckhimupontheshoulder，crying，inaloudvoice。

"Bethouagoodknight！"

Instantlyaloudsoundofapplauseandtheclappingofhandsfilledthewholehall，inthemidstofwhichtheKinglaidbothhandsuponMyles’sshouldersandkissedhimupontherightcheek。

Sotheceremonyended；MyleswasnolongerMylesFalworth，butSirMylesFalworth，KnightbyOrderoftheBathandbygraceoftheKing！

CHAPTER25

Itwasthecustomtoconcludetheceremoniesofthebestowalofknighthoodbyagrandfeastgiveninhonorofthenewly—createdknight。ButinMyles’sinstancethefeastwasdispensedwith。TheEarlofMackworthhadplannedthatMylesmightbecreatedaKnightoftheBathwithallpossiblepompandceremony；thathispersonalitymightbemostfavorablyimpressedupontheKing；thathemightbesohonorablyknightedastomakehimthepeerofanywhoworespursinallEngland；and，finally，thathemightcelebratehisnewhonorsbyjoustingwithsomeknightofhighfameandapprovedvalor。AllthesedesideratachancehadfulfilledinthevisitoftheKingtoDevlen。

AstheEarlhadsaidtoMyles，hewouldratherhavewaitedalittlewhilelongeruntiltheladwasriperinyearsandexperience，buttheopportunitywasnottobelost。Youngashewas，MylesmusttakehischancesagainsttheyearsandgrimexperienceoftheSieurdelaMontaigne。ButitwasalsoapartoftheEarl’spurposethattheKingandMylesshouldnotbebroughttoointimatelytogetherjustatthattime。Thougheveryparticularofcircumstanceshouldbefulfilledintheceremony，itwouldhavebeenruinationtotheEarl’splanstohavetheknowledgecomeprematurelytotheKingthatMyleswasthesonoftheattaintedLordFalworth。TheEarlknewthatMyleswasashrewd，coolheadedlad；buttheKinghadalreadyhintedthatthenamewasfamiliartohisears，andasinglehastyanswerorunguardedspeechupontheyoungknight’spartmightawakenhimtoafullknowledge。Suchamishapwas，ofallthings，tobeavoidedjustthen，for，thankstothemachinationsofthatenemyofhisfatherofwhomMyleshadheardsomuch，andwassoontohearmore，theKinghadalwaysretainedandstillheldabitterandrancorousenmityagainsttheunfortunatenobleman。

ItwasnoverydifficultmatterfortheEarltodiverttheKing’sattentionfromthematterofthefeast。HisMajestywasveryintentjustthenuponsupplyingaquotaoftroopstotheDauphin，andthechiefobjectofhisvisittoDevlenwastoopennegotiationswiththeEarllookingtothatend。Hewasinterested——muchinterestedinMylesandinthecomingjoustinginwhichtheyoungwarriorwastoprovehimself，buthewasinterestedinitbywayofarelaxationfromtheotherandmoreengrossingmatter。So，thoughhemadesomepassingandhalfpreoccupiedinquiryaboutthefeasthewaseasilysatisfiedwiththeEarl’sreasonsfornotholdingit：whichwerethathehadarrangedaconsultationforthatmorninginregardtothetroopsfortheDauphin，towhichmeetinghehadsummonedanumberofhisownmoreimportantdependentnobles，thattheKinghimselfneededreposeandthehourorsoofrestthathisbarber—surgeonhadorderedhimtotakeafterhismid—daymeal；thatFatherThomashadlaiduponMylesapettypenance——thatforthefirstthreedaysofhisknighthoodheshouldeathismealswithoutmeatandinhisownapartment——andvariousotherreasonsequallygoodandsufficient。SotheKingwassatisfied，andthefeastwasdispensedwith。

Thenextmorninghadbeensetforthejousting，andallthatdaytheworkmenwerebusyerectingthelistsinthegreatquadrangleuponwhich，aswassaidbefore，lookedthemainbuildingsofthecastle。ThewindowsofMyles’sapartmentopeneddirectlyuponthebustlingscene——thecarpentershammeringandsawing，theupholstererssnipping，cutting，andtacking。MylesandGascoynestoodgazingoutfromtheopencasement，withtheirarmslyingacrossoneanother’sshouldersintheoldboyhoodfashion，andMylesfelthisheartshrinkwithasuddentightpangastherealizationcamesharplyandvividlyuponhimthatallthesepreparationswerebeingmadeforhim，andthatthenextdayheshould，withalmostthecertaintyofdeath，meeteithergloryorfailureundertheeyesnotonlyofallthegreaterandlessercastlefolk，butoftheKinghimselfandnoblestrangerscriticallyusedtodeedsofchivalryandprowess。Perhapshehadneverfullyrealizedthemagnitudeoftherealitybefore。Inthattightpangathishearthedrewadeepbreath，almostasigh。

Gascoyneturnedhisheadabruptly，andlookedathisfriend，buthedidnotaskthecauseofthesigh。NodoubtthesamethoughtsthatwereinMyles’smindwereinhisalso。

ItwastowardsthelatterpartoftheafternoonthatamessagecamefromtheEarl，biddingMylesattendhiminhisprivatecloset。AfterMyleshadbowedandkissedhislordship’shand，theEarlmotionedhimtotakeaseat，tellinghimthathehadsomefinalwordstosaythatmightoccupyaconsiderabletime。Hetalkedtotheyoungmanforabouthalfanhourinhisquiet，measuredvoice，onlynowandthenshowingalittleagitationbyrisingandwalkingupanddowntheroomforaturnortwo。VerymanythingsweredisclosedinthattalkthathadcausedMyleslonghoursofbroodingthought，fortheEarlspokefreely，andwithoutconcealmenttohimconcerninghisfatherandthefortunesofthehouseofFalworth。

Myleshadsurmisedmanythings，butitwasnotuntilthenthatheknewforacertaintywhowashisfather’smalignantandpowerfulenemy——thatitwasthegreatEarlofAlban，therivalandbitterenemyoftheEarlofMackworth。ItwasnotuntilthenthatheknewthatthepresentEarlofAlbanwastheLordBrookhurst，whohadkilledSirJohnDaleintheanteroomatFalworthCastlethatmorningsolongagoinhisearlychildhood。Itwasnotuntilthenthatheknewallthecircumstancesofhisfather’sblindness；

thathehadbeenoverthrowninthemeleeatthegreattournamentatYork，andthatthatsameLordBrookhursthadriddenhisiron—shodwar—horsetwiceoverhisenemy’sprostratebodybeforehissquirecoulddrawhimfromthepress，andhadthenandtheregivenhimthewoundfromwhichheafterwardswentblind。TheEarlsworetoMylesthatLordBrookhursthaddonewhathedidwilfully，andhadafterwardsboastedofit。Then，withsomehesitation，hetoldMylesthereasonofLordBrookhurst’senmity，andthatithadarisenonaccountofLadyFalworth，whomhehadonetimesoughtinmarriage，andthathehadswornvengeanceagainstthemanwhohadwonher。

PiecebypiecetheEarlofMackworthrecountedeverycircumstanceanddetailoftherevengethattheblindman’senemyhadafterwardswreakeduponhim。HetoldMyleshow，whenhisfatherwasattaintedofhigh—treason，andhisestatesforfeitedtothecrown，theKinghadgrantedthebaronyofEasterbridgetothethennewly—createdEarlofAlbaninspiteofalltheeffortsofLordFalworth’sfriendstothecontrary；thatwhenhehimselfhadcomeoutfromanaudiencewiththeKing，withothersofhisfather’sfriends，theEarlofAlbanhadboastedintheanteroom，inaloudvoice，evidentlyintendedforthemalltohear，thatnowthathehadFalworth’sfatlands，hewouldneverresttillhehadhuntedtheblindmanoutfromhishiding，andbroughthisheadtotheblock。

"Eversincethen，"saidtheEarlofMackworth"hehathbeenstrivingbyeverymeanstodiscoverthyfather’splaceofconcealment。Sometime，haply，hemayfindit，andthen——"

Myleshadfeltforalongtimethathewasbeingmouldedandshaped，andthattheEarlofMackworth’swasthehandthatwasmakinghimwhathewasgrowingtobe；buthehadneverrealizedhowgreatwerethethingsexpectedofhimshouldhepassthefirstgreattest，andshowhimselfwhathisfriendshopedtoseehim。Nowheknewthatallwerelookinguponhimtoact，sometime，ashisfather’schampion，andwhenthattimeshouldcome，tochallengetheEarlofAlbantotheordealofsinglecombat，topurgehisfather’snameoftreason，torestorehimtohisrank，andtosetthehouseofFalworthwhereitstoodbeforemisfortunefelluponit。

Butitwasnotaloneconcerninghisandhisfather’saffairsthattheEarlofMackworthtalkedtoMyles。HetoldhimthattheEarlofAlbanwastheEarlofMackworth’senemyalso；thatinhisyoungerdayshehadhelpedLordFalworth，whowashiskinsman，towinhiswife，andthatthen，LordBrookhursthadsworntocompasshisruinashehadsworntocompasstheruinofhisfriend。HetoldMyleshow，nowthatLordBrookhurstwasgrowntobeEarlofAlban，andgreatandpowerful，hewasforeverplottingagainsthim，andshowedMyleshow，ifLordFalworthwerediscoveredandarrestedfortreason，healsowouldbelikelytosufferforaidingandabettinghim。ThenitdawneduponMylesthattheEarllookedtohimtochampionthehouseofBeaumontaswellasthatofFalworth。

"Mayhap，"saidtheEarl，"thoudidstthinkthatitwasallforthepleasantsportofthematterthatIhavetakenuponmethistoilandendeavortohavetheeknightedwithhonorthatthoumightstfighttheDauphinyknight。Nay，nay，MylesFalworth，I

havenotlaboredsohardforsuchasmallmatterasthat。IhavehadtheKing，unknowntohimself，soknighttheethatthoumaystbethepeerofAlbanhimself，andnowIwouldhavetheetoholdthineownwiththeSieurdelaMontaigne，totrywhetherthoube’stAlban’smatch，andtoapprovethyselfworthyofthehonorofthyknighthood。Iamsorry，ne’theless，"headded，afteramoment’spause，"thatthiscouldnothavebeenputoffforawhilelonger，formyplansforbringingtheetobattlewiththatvileAlbanarenotyetripe。ButsuchachanceoftheKingcominghitherhapsnotoften。AndthenIamgladofthismuch——thatagoodoccasionofferstogettheepresentlyawayfromEngland。I

wouldhavetheeoutoftheKing’ssightsosoonasmaybeafterthisjousting。Hetakethalikingtothee，andIfearmelestheshouldinquiremorenearlyconcerningtheeandsoallbediscoveredandspoiled。MybrotherGeorgegoethuponthefirstofnextmonthtoFrancetotakeservicewiththeDauphin，havingunderhiscommandacompanyoftenscoremen——knightsandarchers；

thoushaltgowithhim，andtherestaytillIsendfortheetoreturn。"

Withthis，theprotractedinterviewconcluded，theEarlchargingMylestosaynothingfurtherabouttheFrenchexpeditionforthepresent——eventohisfriend——foritwasasyetamatterofsecrecy，knownonlytotheKingandafewnoblescloselyconcernedintheventure。

ThenMylesarosetotakehisleave。HeaskedandobtainedpermissionforGascoynetoaccompanyhimtoFrance。Thenhepausedforamomentortwo，foritwasstronglyuponhimtospeakofamatterthathadbeenlyinginhismindallday——amatterthathehaddreamedofmuchwithopeneyesduringthelongvigilofthenightbefore。

TheEarllookedupinquiringly。"Whatisitthouwouldstask？"

saidhe。

Myles’sheartwasbeatingquicklywithinhimatthethoughtofhisownboldness，andashespokehischeeksburnedlikefire。

"Sir，"saidhe，musteringhiscourageatlast，"haplythouhastforgotit，butIhavenot；ne’theless，alongtimesincewhenI

spokeofservingthe——theLadyAliceashertrueknight，thoudidstwiselylaughatmywords，andbademewaitfirsttillIhadearnedmyspurs。Butnow，sir，Ihavegottenmyspurs，and——anddonowcravethygraciousleavethatImayservethatladyashertrueknight。"

Aspaceofdeadsilencefell，inwhichMyles’sheartbeattumultuouslywithinhim。

"Iknownotwhatthoumeanest，"saidtheEarlatlast，inasomewhatconstrainedvoice。"Howwouldstthouserveher？Whatwouldstthouhave？"

"Iwouldhaveonlyalittlematterjustnow，"answeredMyles。"I

wouldbutcraveofherafavorfortowearinthemorrow’sbattle，sothatshemayknowthatIholdherformyowntruelady，andthatImayhavethecouragetofightmoreboldly，havingthatfavortodefend。"

TheEarlsatlookingathimforawhileinbroodingsilence，strokinghisbeardthewhile。Suddenlyhisbrowcleared。"Sobeit，"saidhe。"IgranttheemyleavetoasktheLadyAliceforafavor，andifsheispleasedtogiveittothee，Ishallnotsaytheenay。ButIsetthisupontheeasaprovision：thatthoushaltnotseeherwithouttheLadyAnnebepresent。Thusitwas，asIremember，thousawherfirst，andwithitthoumustnowbesatisfied。GothoutotheLongGallery，andthithertheywillcomeanonifnaughthinderthem。"

MyleswaitedintheLongGalleryperhapssomefifteenortwentyminutes。Noonewastherebuthimself。ItwasapartofthecastleconnectingtheEarl’sandtheCountess’sapartments，andwasusedbutlittle。Duringthattimehestoodlookingabsentlyoutoftheopencasementintothestonycourt—yardbeyond，tryingtoputintowordsthatwhichhehadtosay；wondering，withanxiety，howsoontheyoungladieswouldcome；wonderingwhethertheywouldcomeatall。Atlastthedooratthefartherendofthegalleryopened，andturningsharplyatthesound，hesawthetwoyoungladiesenter，LadyAliceleaninguponLadyAnne’sarm。

Itwasthefirsttimethathehadseenthemsincetheceremonyofthemorning，andasheadvancedtomeetthem，theLadyAnnecamefranklyforward，andgavehimherhand，whichMylesraisedtohislips。

"Igivetheejoyofthyknighthood，SirMyles，"saidshe，"anddobelieve，ingoodsooth，thatifanyonedeservethsuchanhonor，thouarthe。"

AtfirstlittleLadyAlicehungbackbehindhercousin，sayingnothinguntiltheLadyAnne，turningsuddenly，said："Come，coz，hasthounaughttosaytoournew—madeknight？Canstthounotalsowishhimjoyofhisknighthood？"

LadyAlicehesitatedaminute，thengaveMylesatimidhand，whichhe，withastrangemixtureofjoyandconfusion，tookastimidlyasitwasoffered。Heraisedthehand，andsetitlightlyandforaninstanttohislips，ashehaddonewiththeLadyAnne’shand，butwithverydifferentemotions。

"Igiveyoujoyofyourknighthood，sir，"saidLadyAlice，inavoicesolowthatMylescouldhardlyhearit。

Bothflushedred，andasheraisedhisheadagain，MylessawthattheLadyAnnehadwithdrawntooneside。Thenheknewthatitwastogivehimtheopportunitytoprofferhisrequest。

Alittlespaceofsilencefollowed，thewhilehestrovetokeyhiscouragetothesayingofthatwhichlayathismind。"Lady，"

saidheatlast，andthenagain——"Lady，I——haveafavorfortoaskthee。"

"Whatisitthouwouldsthave，SirMyles？"shemurmured，inreply。

"Lady，"saidhe，"eversinIfirstsawtheeIhavethoughtthatifImightchooseofalltheworld，thouonlywouldstIchoosefor——formytruelady，toserveasarightknightshould。"Herehestopped，frightenedathisownboldness。LadyAlicestoodquitestill，withherfaceturnedaway。"Thou——thouartnotangeredatwhatIsay？"hesaid。

Sheshookherhead。

"Ihavelongedandlongedforthetime，"saidhe，toaskaboonofthee，andnowhaththattimecome。Lady，to—morrowIgotomeetarightgoodknight，andoneskilledinarmsandinjousting，asthoudostknow。Yea，heisfamousinarms，andIbenobody。Ne’theless，IfightforthehonorofEnglandandMackworth——and——andforthysake。I——ThouartnotangeredatwhatIsay？"

AgaintheLadyAliceshookherhead。

"Iwouldthatthou——Iwouldthatthouwouldgivemesomefavorfortowear——thyveilorthynecklace。"

Hewaitedanxiouslyforalittlewhile，butLadyAlicedidnotanswerimmediately。

"Ifearme，"saidMyles，presently，"thatIhaveinsoothoffendedtheeinaskingthisthing。IknowthatitisaparlousboldmatterforonesorawinchivalryandincourtlinessasI

am，andonesopoorinrank，toasktheeforthyfavor。AnIha’

offended，IpritheeletitbeasthoughIhadnotaskedit。"

Perhapsitwastheyoungman’stimiditythatbroughtasuddencouragetoLadyAlice；perhapsitwasthegraciousnessofhergentlebreedingthaturgedhertorelieveMyles’ssomewhatawkwardhumility，perhapsitwassomethingmorethaneitherthatlentherbraverytospeak，evenknowingthattheLadyAnneheardall。Sheturnedquicklytohim："Nay，SirMyles，"shesaid，"Iamfoolish，anddowrongtheebymyfoolishnessandsilence，for，truly，Iamproudtohavetheewearmyfavor。"Sheunclasped，asshespoke，thethingoldchainfromaboutherneck。"Igivetheethischain，"saidshe，"anditwillbringmejoytohaveithonoredbythytrueknightliness，and，givingit，Idowishtheeallsuccess。"Thenshebowedherhead，and，turning，lefthimholdingthenecklaceinhishand。

Hercousinleftthewindowtomeether，bowingherheadwithasmiletoMylesasshetookhercousin’sarmagainandledheraway。Hestoodlookingafterthemastheylefttheroom，andwhentheyweregone，heraisedthenecklacetohislipswithaheartbeatingtumultuouslywithatriumphantjoyithadneverfeltbefore。

CHAPTER26

Andnow，atlast，hadcomethedayofdaysforMylesFalworth；

thedaywhenhewastoputtothetestallthathehadacquiredinthethreeyearsofhistraining，thedaythatwastodisclosewhatpromiseoffuturegreatnesstherewasinhisstrongyoungbody。Anditwasanobleday；oneofthoseoflateSeptember，whentheairseemssweeterandfresherthanatothertimes；thesunbrightandasyellowasgold，thewindlustyandstrong，beforewhichthegreatwhitecloudsgosailingmajesticallyacrossthebrightbluenessoftheskyabove，whiletheirduskyshadowsskimacrossthebrownfaceoftherustyearthbeneath。

Aswassaidbefore，thelistshadbeensetupinthegreatquadrangleofthecastle，thanwhich，levelandsmoothasafloor，nomorefittingplacecouldbechosen。Thecoursewasoftheusualsize——sixtypaceslong——andseparatedalongitswholelengthbyabarrieraboutfivefeethigh。Uponthewestsideofthecourseandabouttwentypacesdistantfromit，ascaffoldinghadbeenbuiltfacingtowardstheeastsoastoavoidtheglareoftheafternoonsun。Inthecentrewasaraiseddais，hungroundwithclothofblueembroideredwithlionsrampant。UponthedaisstoodacushionedthronefortheKing，anduponthestepsbelow，rangedintheorderoftheirdignity，wereseatsfortheEarl，hisguests，thefamily，theladies，knights，andgentlemenofthecastle。Infront，thescaffoldingwascoveredwiththegayesttapestriesandbrightest—coloredhangingsthatthecastlecouldafford。Andabove，parti—coloredpennantsandstreamers，surmountedbytheroyalensignofEngland，wavedandflutteredinthebriskwind。

Ateitherendofthelistsstoodthepavilionsoftheknights。

ThatofMyleswasatthesouthernextremityandwashung，bytheEarl’sdesire，withclothoftheBeaumontcolors（blackandyellow），whileawoodenshieldbearingthreegoshawksspread（thecrestofthehouse）wasnailedtotheroof，andalongstreamerofblackandyellowtrailedoutinthewindfromthestaffabove。

Myles，partlyarmed，stoodatthedoor—wayofthepavilion，watchingthefolkgatheringatthescaffolding。Theladiesofthehousewerealreadyseated，andtheusherswerebustlinghitherandthither，assigningtheotherstheirplaces。Aconsiderablecrowdofcommonfolkandburghersfromthetownhadalreadygatheredatthebarriersopposite，andashelookedattherestlessandgrowingmultitudehefelthisheartbeatquicklyandhisfleshgrowcoldwithanervoustrepidation——justsuchastheladofto—dayfeelswhenheseestheauditoriumfillingwithfriendsandstrangerswhoaretolistenby—and—bytothereadingofhisprizepoem。

Suddenlytherecamealoudblastoftrumpets。Agreatgateatthefartherextremityofthelistswasthrownopen，andtheKingappeared，ridinguponawhitehorse，precededbytheKing—at—armsandtheheralds，attendedbytheEarlandtheComtedeVermoise，andfollowedbyacrowdofattendants。JustthenGascoyne，who，withWilkes，wasbusiedlacingsomeofthearmorplateswithnewthongs，calledMyles，andheturnedandenteredthepavilion。

Asthetwosquireswereadjustingtheselastpieces，strappingtheminplaceandtyingthethongs，LordGeorgeandSirJamesLeeenteredthepavilion。LordGeorgetooktheyoungmanbythehand，andwithapleasantsmilewishedhimsuccessinthecomingencounter。

SirJamesseemedanxiousanddisturbed。Hesaidnothing，andafterGascoynehadplacedtheopenbascinetthatsupportsthetiltinghelminitsplace，hecameforwardandexaminedthearmorpiecebypiece，carefullyandcritically，testingthevariousstrapsandleatherpointsandthongstomakesureoftheirstrength。

"Sir，"saidGascoyne，whostoodbywatchinghimanxiously，"IdotrustthatIhavedoneallmeetlyandwell。"

"Iseenothingamiss，sirrah，"saidtheoldknight，halfgrudgingly。"SofarasImayknow，heisreadytomount。"

Justthenamessengerentered，sayingthattheKingwasseated，andLordGeorgebadeMylesmakehastetomeetthechallenger。

"Francis，"saidMyles，"pritheegivememypouchyonder。"

Gascoynehandedhimthevelvetbag，andheopenedit，andtookoutthenecklacethattheLadyAlicehadgivenhimthedaybefore。

"Tiemethisaroundmyarm，"saidhe。Helookeddown，keepinghiseyesstudiouslyfixedonGascoyne’sfingers，astheytwinedthethingoldenchainaroundtheironplatesofhisrightarm，knowingthatLordGeorge’seyeswereuponhim，andblushingfieryredattheknowledge。

SirJameswasatthatmomentexaminingthegreattiltinghelm，andLordGeorgewatchedhim，smilingamusedly。"Andhastthouthenalreadychosentheealady？"hesaid，presently。

"Aye，myLord，"answeredMyles，simply。

"Marry，Itrustwebesohonoredthatsheisoneofourcastlefolk，"saidtheEarl’sbrother。

ForamomentMylesdidnotreply；thenhelookedup。"MyLord，"

saidhe，"thefavorwasgiventomebytheLadyAlice。"

LordGeorgelookedgraveforthemoment；thenhelaughed。"Marry，thouartaboldarchertoshootforsuchhighgame。"

Mylesdidnotanswer，andatthatmomenttwogroomsledhishorseuptothedoorofthepavilion。GascoyneandWilkeshelpedhimtohissaddle，andthen，Gascoyneholdinghishorsebythebridle—rein，herodeslowlyacrosstheliststothelittleopenspaceinfrontofthescaffoldingandtheKing’sseatjustastheSieurdelaMontaigneapproachedfromtheoppositedirection。

Assoonasthetwoknightschampionhadreachedeachhisappointedstationinfrontofthescaffolding，theMarshalbadethespeakerreadthechallenge，which，unrollingtheparchment，hebegantodoinaloud，clearvoice，sothatallmighthear。Itwasaquaintdocument，wrappedupinthetangledheraldicverbiageofthetime。

ThepithofthematterwasthattheSieurBrianPhilipFrancisdelaMontaigneproclaimedbeforeallmenthegreaterchivalryandskillatarmsoftheknightsofFranceandofDauphiny，andlikewisethegreaterfairnessoftheladiesofFranceandDauphiny，andwouldtheredefendthosesayingswithhisbodywithoutfearorattaintastothetruthofthesame。Assoonasthespeakerhadended，theMarshalbadehimcallthedefendantoftheotherside。

ThenMylesspokehispart，withavoicetremblingsomewhatwiththeexcitementofthemoment，butloudlyandclearlyenough："I，MylesEdwardFalworth，knight，socreatedbythehandandbythegraceofhisMajestyKingHenryIVofEngland，dotakeuponmethegageofthisbattle，andwilldefendwithmybodythechivalryoftheknightsofEnglandandthefairnessoftheladiesthereof！"

Then，afterthespeakerendedhisproclamationandhadretiredtohisplace，theceremonyofclaimingandredeemingthehelmet，towhichallyoungknightsweresubjecteduponfirstenteringthelists，wasperformed。

Oneoftheheraldscriedinaloudvoice，"I，GillesHamerton，heraldtothemostnobleClarencieuxKing—at—arms，doclaimthehelmofSirMylesEdwardFalworthbythisreason，thathehathneveryetenteredjoustortourney。"

TowhichMylesanswered，"Idoacknowledgetherightofthatclaim，andherewithproffertheeinransomforthesamethispurseofonehundredmarksingold。"

Ashespoke，Gascoynesteppedforwardanddeliveredthepurse，withthemoney，totheHerald。Itwasamorethanusuallyconsiderableransom，andhadbeenmadeupbytheEarlandLordGeorgethatmorning。

"Rightnoblyhastthouredeemedthyhelm，"saidtheHerald，"andhereafterbethoufreetoenteranyjoustingwhatsoever，andinwhateverplace。"

So，allbeingended，bothknightsbowedtotheKing，andthen，escortedeachbyhissquire，returnedtohispavilion，salutedbythespectatorswithaloudclappingofhands。

SirJamesLeemetMylesinfrontofhistent。Cominguptothesideofthehorse，theoldmanlaidhishanduponthesaddle，lookingupintotheyoungman’sface。

"Thouwiltnotfailinthisventureandbringshameuponme？"

saidhe。

"Nay，mydearmaster，"saidMyles；"Iwilldomybest。"

"Idoubtitnot，"saidtheoldman；"andIbelievemethouwiltcomeoffrightwell。Fromwhathedidsaythismorning，methinkstheSieurdelaMontaignemeanethonlytobreakthreelanceswiththee，andwillcontenthimselftherewith，withoutseekingtounhorsethee。Ne’theless，bethouboldandwatchful，andifthoufindthatheendeavortocastthee，dothybesttounhorsehim。

RememberalsothosethingswhichIhavetoldtheetenthousandtimesbefore：holdthytoeswelldownandgripthestirruphard，moreespeciallyatthemomentofmeeting；bendthybodyforward，andkeepthineelbowclosetothyside。Bearthylancepointonefootabovethineadversary’shelmuntilwithintwolengthsofmeeting，andstrikethouintheverymiddleofhisshield。So，Myles，thoumaystholdthineown，andcomeoffwithglory。"

Asheendedspeakinghedrewback，andGascoyne，mountinguponastool，coveredhisfriend’sheadandbascinetwiththegreatjoustinghelm，makingfasttheleathernpointsthatheldittotheironcollar。

AshewastyingthelastthongamessengercamefromtheHerald，sayingthatthechallengerwasready，andthenMylesknewthetimehadcome，andreachingdownandgivingSirJamesagripofthehand，hedrewonhisgauntlet，tookthejoustinglancethatWilkeshandedhim，andturnedhishorse’sheadtowardshisendofthelists。

CHAPTER27

AsMylestookhisplaceatthesouthendofthelists，hefoundtheSieurdelaMontaignealreadyathisstation。Throughthepeep—holeinthefaceofthehugehelmet，atransverseslitknownastheoccularium，hecouldsee，likeastrangenarrowpicture，thefartherendofthelists，thespectatorsuponeithersidemovingandshiftingwithceaselessrestlessness，andinthecentreofall，hisopponent，sittingwithspearpointdirectedupward，erect，motionlessasastatueofiron，thesunlightgleamingandflashinguponhispolishedplatesofsteel，andthetrappingsofhishorseswayingandflutteringintherushingofthefreshbreeze。

Uponthatmotionlessfigurehissightgraduallycentredwitheveryfacultyofmindandsoul。Heknewthenextmomentthesignalwouldbegiventhatwastobringhimeithergloryorshamefromthatironstatue。Hegroundhisteethtogetherwithsternresolvetodohisbestinthecomingencounter，andmurmuredabriefprayerinthehallowdarknessofhishugehelm。Thenwithashakehesettledhimselfmorefirmlyinhissaddle，slowlyraisedhisspearpointuntiltheshaftreachedtheexactangle，andtheresufferedittorestmotionless。Therewasamomentofdead，tense，breathlesspause，thenheratherfeltthansawtheMarshalraisehisbaton。Hegatheredhimselftogether，andthenextmomentabuglesoundedloudandclear。Inoneblindingrushhedrovehisspursintothesidesofhishorse，andininstantanswerfeltthenoblesteedspringforwardwithabound。

Throughalltheclashingofhisarmorreverberatinginthehollowdepthsofhishelmet，hesawthemail—cladfigurefromtheotherendofthelistsrushingtowardshim，loominglargerandlargerastheycametogether。Hegrippedhissaddlewithhisknees，clutchedthestirrupwiththesolesofhisfeet，andbenthisbodystillmoreforward。Intheinstantofmeeting，withalmosttheblindnessofinstinct，hedroppedthepointofhisspearagainstthesingleredflower—de—luceinthemiddleoftheon—comingshield。Therewasathunderouscrashthatseemedtorackeveryjoint，heheardthecrackleofsplinteredwood，hefeltthemomentarytremblingrecoilofthehorsebeneathhim，andinthenextinstanthadpassedby。Ashecheckedtheonwardrushofhishorseatthefarendofthecourse，heheardfaintlyinthedimhollowrecessofthehelmtheloudshoutandtheclappingofhandsofthosewholookedon，andfoundhimselfgrippingwithnervousintensitythebuttofabrokenspear，hismouthclammywithexcitement，andhisheartthumpinginhisthroat。

Thenherealizedthathehadmethisopponent，andhadbornethemeetingwell。Asheturnedhishorse’sheadtowardshisownendofthelists，hesawtheothertrottingslowlybacktowardshisstation，alsoholdingabrokenspearshaftinhishand。

Ashepassedtheironfigureavoiceissuedfromthehelmet，"Welldone，SirMyles，noblydone！"andhisheartboundedinanswertothewordsofpraise。Whenhehadreachedhisownendofthelists，heflungawayhisbrokenspear，andGascoynecameforwardwithanother。

"Oh，Myles！"hesaid，withsobinhisvoice，"itwasnoblydone。

NeverdidIseeabetterriddencourseinallmylife。Ididnotbelievethatthoucouldstdohalfsowell。Oh，Myles，pritheeknockhimoutofhissaddleanthoulovestme！"

Myles，inhishigh—keyednervousness，couldnotforbearashorthystericallaughathisfriend’swarmthofenthusiasm。Hetookthefreshlanceinhishand，andthen，seeingthathisopponentwaswalkinghishorseslowlyupanddownathisendofthelists，didthesameduringthelittletimeofrestbeforethenextencounter。

When，inanswertothecommandoftheMarshal，hetookhisplaceasecondtime，hefoundhimselfcalmerandmorecollectedthanbefore，buteveryfacultynolessintenselyfixedthanithadbeenatfirst。OncemoretheMarshalraisedhisbaton，oncemorethehornsounded，andoncemorethetworushedtogetherwiththesamethunderouscrash，thesamesplinterofbrokenspears，thesamemomentarytremblingrecoilofthehorse，andthesameonwardrushpastoneanother。Oncemorethespectatorsapplaudedandshoutedasthetwoknightsturnedtheirhorsesandrodebacktowardstheirstation。

ThistimeastheymetmidwaytheSieurdelaMontaignereinedinhishorse。"SirMyles，"saidhismuffledvoice，"Isweartothee，bymyfaith，Ihadnotthoughttomeetintheesuchanopponentasthoudostprovethyselftobe。Ihadthoughttofindintheearawboy，butfindinsteadaPaladin。HithertoIhavegiventheegraceasIwouldgivegracetoanymerelad，andthoughtofnothingbuttogivetheeopportunitytobreakthylance。NowI

shalldomyendeavortounhorsetheeasIwouldanacknowledgedpeerinarms。Nevertheless，onaccountofthyyouth，Igivetheethiswarning，sothatthoumaystholdthyselfinreadiness。"

"Igivetheegramercyforthycourtesy，myLord，"answeredMyles，speakinginFrench；"andIwillstrivetoencountertheeasbestImay，andpardonmeifIseemforwardinsosaying，butwereI

inthyplace，myLord，Iwouldchangemeyonbreast—pieceandover—girthofmysaddle；theyaresprunginthestitches。"

"Nay，"saidtheSieurdelaMontaigne，laughing，"breast—pieceandover—girthhavecarriedmethroughmoretiltsthanone，andshallthroughthis。Anthougivemeablowsotrueastoburstbreast—pieceandover—girth，Iwillownmyselffairlyconqueredbythee。"Sosaying，hesalutedMyleswiththebuttofthespearhestillheld，andpassedbytohisendofthelists。

Myles，withGascoynerunningbesidehim，rodeacrosstohispavilion，andcalledtoEdmundWilkestobringhimacupofspicedwine。AfterGascoynehadtakenoffhishelmet，andashesatwipingtheperspirationfromhisfaceSirJamescameupandtookhimbythehand。

"Mydearboy，"saidhe，grippingthehandheheld，"nevercouldI

hopetobesooverjoyedinmineoldageasIamthisday。Thoudostbringhonortome，forItelltheetrulythoudostridelikeaknightseasonedintwentytourneys。"

"Itdothgivemetenfoldcouragetoheartheesosay，dearmaster，"answeredMyles。"Andtruly，"headded，"Ishallneedallmycouragethisbout，fortheSieurdelaMontaignetellethmethathewillridetounhorsemethistime。"

"Didheindeedsosay？"saidSirJames。"Thenbelikehemeanethtostrikeatthyhelm。Thybestchanceistostrikealsoathis。

Doththyhandtremble？"

"Notnow，"answeredMyles。

"Thenkeepthyheadcoolandthineeyetrue。SetthytrustinGod，andhaplythouwiltcomeoutofthisbouthonorablyinspiteoftherawnessofthyyouth。"

JustthenEdmundWilkespresentedthecupofwinetoMyles，whodrankitoffatadraught，andthereuponGascoynereplacedthehelmandtiedthethongs。

ThechargethatSirJamesLeehadgiventoMylestostrikeathisadversary’shelmwasapieceofadviceheprobablywouldnothavegiventosoyoungaknight，exceptingasalastresort。Ablowperfectlydelivereduponthehelmwasofallothersthemostdifficultfortherecipienttorecoverfrom，butthenablowuponthehelmwasnotonetimeinfiftyperfectlygiven。Thehugecylindricaltiltinghelmwassoconstructedinfrontastoslopeatanangleinalldirectionstoonepoint。Thatpointwasthecentreofacrossformedbytwoironbandsweldedtothesteel—faceplatesofthehelmwhereitwasweakenedbytheopeningslitoftheoccularium，orpeephole。Intheverycentreofthiscrosswasalittleflattenedsurfacewherethebandswererivetedtogether，anditwasuponthatminutepointthattheblowmustbegiventobeperfect，andthatstrokeMylesdeterminedtoattempt。

AshetookhisstationEdmundWilkescamerunningacrossfromthepavilionwithalancethatSirJameshadchosen，andMyles，returningtheonethatGascoynehadjustgivenhim，tookitinhishand。Itwasofseasonedoak，somewhatthickerthantheother，atoughweapon，noteasilytobebrokeneveninsuchanencounterashewasliketohave。Hebalancedtheweapon，andfoundthatitfittedperfectlytohisgrasp。Asheraisedthepointtorest，hisopponenttookhisstationatthefartherextremityofthelists，andagaintherewasalittlespaceofbreathlesspause。Myleswassurprisedathisowncoolness；everynervoustremorwasgone。Before，hehadbeenconsciousofthecriticalmultitudelookingdownuponhim；nowitwasaconflictofmantoman，andsuchaconflicthadnoterrorsforhisyoungheartofiron。

Thespectatorshadsomehowcometotheknowledgethatthiswastobeamoreseriousencounterthanthetwowhichhadprecededit，andabreathlesssilencefellforthemomentortwothattheknightsstoodinplace。

Oncemorehebreathedashortprayer，"HolyMary，guardme！"

Thenagain，forthethirdtime，theMarshalraisedhisbaton，andthehornsounded，andforthethirdtimeMylesdrovehisspursintohishorse’sflanks。Againhesawtheironfigureofhisopponentrushingnearer，nearer，nearer。Hecentred，withastrainingintensity，everyfacultyofsoul，mind，andbodyupononepoint——thecrossoftheoccularium，themarkhewastostrike。Hebracedhimselfforthetremendousshockwhichheknewmustmeethim，andtheninaflashdroppedlancepointstraightandtrue。Thenextinstanttherewasadeafeningstunningcrash——acrashlikethestrokeofathunder—bolt。Therewasadazzlingblazeofblindinglight，andamyriadsparksdancedandflickeredandsparkledbeforehiseyes。Hefelthishorsestaggerunderhimwiththerecoil，andhardlyknowingwhathedid，hedrovehisspursdeepintoitssideswithashout。Atthesamemomentthereresoundedinhisearsacrashingrattleandclatter，heknewnotofwhat，andthen，ashishorserecoveredandsprangforward，andasthestunningbewildermentpassed，hefoundthathishelmethadbeenstruckoff。Heheardagreatshoutarisefromall，andthought，withasickening，bitterdisappointment，thatitwasbecausehehadlost。Atthefartherendofthecourseheturnedhishorse，andthenhisheartgavealeapandaboundasthoughitwouldburst，thebloodleapedtohischeekstingling，andhisbosomthrilledwithanalmostagonizingpangoftriumph，ofwonder，ofamazement。

There，inatangleofhishorse’sharnessandofembroideredtrappings，theSieurdelaMontaignelaystretchedupontheground，withhissaddlenearby，andhisriderlesshorsewastrottingaimlesslyaboutatthefartherendofthelists。

Mylessawthetwosquiresofthefallenknightrunacrosstowheretheirmasterlay，hesawtheladieswavingtheirkerchiefsandveils，andthecastlepeopleswingingtheirhatsandshoutinginanecstasyofdelight。Thenherodeslowlybacktowherethesquireswerenowaidingthefallenknighttoarise。Theseniorsquiredrewhisdagger，cuttheleatherpoints，anddrewoffthehelm，disclosingtheknight’sface——afacewhiteasdeath，andconvulsedwithrage，mortification，andbitterhumiliation。

"Iwasnotrightlyunhorsed！"hecried，hoarselyandwithlividlips，totheMarshalandhisattendants，whohadriddenup。"I

unhelmedhimfairlyenough，butmyover—girthandbreast—strapburst，andmysaddleslipped。Iwasnotunhorsed，Isay，andI

layclaimthatIunhelmedhim。"

"Sir，"saidtheMarshalcalmly，andspeakinginFrench，"surelythouknowestthatthelossofhelmetdoesnotdecideanencounter。Ineednotremindthee，myLord，thatitwassoawardedbyJohnofGaunt，DukeofLancaster，wheninthejoustingmatchbetweenReynanddeRoyeandJohndeHolland，theSieurReynandlefteverypointofhishelmloosened，sothatthehelmwasbeatenoffateachstroke。Ifhethenwasjustifiedindoingsoofhisownchoice，andwilfullysufferingtobeunhelmed，howthencanthisknightbeaccusedofevilwhosuffereditbychance？"

"Nevertheless，"saidtheSieurdelaMontaigne，inthesamehoarse，breathlessvoice，"Idoaffirm，andwillmakemyaffirmationgoodwithmybody，thatIfellonlybythebreakingofmygirth。Whosaysotherwiselies！"

"Itisthetruthhespeaketh，"saidMyles。"Imyselfsawthestitchesweresomelittlewhatburst，andwarnedhimthereofbeforeweranthiscourse。

"Sir，"saidtheMarshaltotheSieurdelaMontaigne，"howcanyounowcomplainofthatthingwhichyourownenemyadvisedyouofandwarnedyouagainst？Wasitnotrightknightlyforhimsotodo？"

TheSieurdelaMontaignestoodquitestillforalittlewhile，leaningontheshoulderofhischiefsquire，lookingmoodilyupontheground；then，withoutmakinganswer，heturned，andwalkedslowlyawaytohispavilion，stillleaningonhissquire’sshoulder，whilsttheotherattendantfollowedbehind，bearinghisshieldandhelmet。

GascoynehadpickedupMyles’sfallenhelmetastheSieurdelaMontaignemovedaway，andLordGeorgeandSirJamesLeecamewalkingacrosstheliststowhereMylesstillsat。Then，theonetakinghishorsebythebridle—rein，andtheotherwalkingbesidethesaddle，theyledhimbeforetheraiseddaiswheretheKingsat。

EventheComtedeVermoise，mortifiedandamazedashemusthavebeenattheoverthrowofhisbestknight，joinedinthepraiseandcongratulationthatpouredupontheyoungconqueror。Myles，hisheartswellingwithapassionoftriumphantdelight，lookedupandmetthegazeofLadyAlicefixedintentlyuponhim。Aredspotofexcitementstillburnedineithercheek，anditflamedtoarosierredashebowedhisheadtoherbeforeturningaway。

GascoynehadjustremovedMyles’sbreastplateandgorget，whenSirJamesLeeburstintothepavilion。Allhisgrimcoldnesswasgone，andheflunghisarmsaroundtheyoungman’sneck，hugginghimheartily，andkissinghimuponeithercheek。

Erehelethimgo，"Mineowndearboy，"hesaid，holdinghimoffatarm’s—length，andwinkinghisonekeeneyerapidly，asthoughtowinkawayadampnessofwhichhewasashamed——"mineowndearboy，Idotelltheetrulythisisassweettomeasthoughthouwertmineownson；sweetertomethanwhenIfirstbrokemineownlanceintriumph，andfeltmyselftobearightknight。"

"Sir，"answeredMyles，"whatthousayestdothrejoicemyveryheart。Ne’theless，itisbutjusttosaythatbothhisbreast—pieceandover—girthwereburstinthestitchesbeforeheranhiscourse，forsoIsawwithmineowneyes。"

"Burstinthestitches！"snortedSirJames。"Thinkestthouhedidnotknowinwhatconditionwashishorse’sgearing？Itelltheehewentdownbecausethoudidststrikefairandtrue，andhedidnotsostrikethee。HadhebeenGuyofWarwickhehadgonedownallthesameundersuchastrokeandinsuchcase。"

CHAPTER28

ItwaSnotuntilmorethanthreeweeksaftertheKinghadleftDevlenCastlethatLordGeorgeandhiscompanyofknightsandarcherswerereadyfortheexpeditiontoFrance。TwoweeksofthattimeMylesspentatCrosbey—Dalewithhisfatherandmother。

Itwasthefirsttimethathehadseenthemsince，fouryearsago，hehadquittedthelow，narrow，white—walledfarmhouseforthecastleofthegreatEarlofMackworth。Hehadneverappreciatedbeforehowlowandnarrowandpoorthefarm—housewas。Now，withhiseyestrainedtothebignessofDevlenCastle，helookedaroundhimwithwonderandpityathisfather’shumblesurroundings。HerealizedasheneverelsecouldhaverealizedhowgreatwasthefallinfortunethathadcastthehouseofFalworthdownfromitsrightfulstationtosuchalevelasthatuponwhichitnowrested。Andatthesametimethathethusrecognizedhowpoorwastheirlot，howdependentuponthecharityofothers，healsorecognizedhowgenerouswasthefriendshipofPriorEdward，whoperilledhisownsafetysogreatlyinaffordingthefamilyoftheattaintedLordanasyluminitsbitterhourofneedandperil。

Mylespaidmanyvisitstothegentleoldpriestduringthosetwoweeks’visit，andhadmanylongandserioustalkswithhim。Onewarmbrightafternoon，asheandtheoldmanwalkedtogetherinthepriorygarden，afteragameortwoofdraughts，theyoungknighttalkedmorefreelyandopenlyofhisplans，hishopes，hisambitions，thanperhapshehadeverdone。HetoldtheoldmanallthattheEarlhaddisclosedtohimconcerningthefallenfortunesofhisfather’shouse，andofhowallwhoknewthosecircumstanceslookedtohimtosetthefamilyinitsoldplaceoncemore。PriorEdwardaddedmanythingstothosewhichMylesalreadyknew——thingsofwhichtheEarleitherdidnotknow，ordidnotchoosetospeak。Hetoldtheyoungman，amongothermatters，thereasonofthebitterandlastingenmitythattheKingfeltfortheblindnobleman：thatLordFalworthhadbeenoneofKingRichard’scouncilintimespast；thatitwasnotalittleowingtohimthatKingHenry，whenEarlofDerby，hadbeenbanishedfromEngland，andthatthoughhewasthenlivingintheretirementofprivatelife，hebitterlyandsteadfastlyopposedKingRichard’sabdication。HetoldMylesthatatthetimewhenSirJohnDalefoundshelteratFalworthCastle，vengeancewasreadytofalluponhisfatheratanymoment，anditneededonlysuchapretextasthatofshelteringsoprominentaconspiratorasSirJohntocompletehisruin。

Myles，ashelistenedintently，couldnotbutconfessinhisownmindthattheKinghadmanyrational，perhapsjust，groundsforgrievanceagainstsuchanardentopponentastheblindLordhadshownhimselftobe。"But，sir，"saidhe，afteralittlespaceofsilence，whenPriorEdwardhadended，"toholdenmityandtobreedtreasonareverydifferentmatters。HaplymyfatherwasBolingbroke’senemy，but，sure，thoudostnotbelieveheisjustlyandrightfullytaintedwithtreason？"

"Nay，"answeredthepriest，"howcanstthouaskmesuchathing？

DidIbelievethyfatheratraitor，thinkestthouIwouldthustellhissonthereof？Nay，Myles，Idoknowthyfatherwell，andhaveknownhimformanyyears，andthisofhim，thatfewmenaresohonorableinheartandsoulashe。ButIhavetoldtheeallthesethingstoshowthattheKingisnotwithoutsomereasontobethyfather’sunfriend。Neither，haply，istheEarlofAlbanwithoutcauseofenmityagainsthim。Sothou，uponthypart，shouldstnotfeelbitterrancoragainsttheKingforwhathathhappedtothyhouse，norevenagainstWilliamBrookhurst——ImeantheEarlofAlban——for，Itellthee，theworstofourenemiesandtheworstofmenbelievethemselvesalwaystohaverightandjusticeupontheirside，evenwhentheymostwisheviltoothers。"

Sospokethegentleoldpriest，wholookedfromhispeacefulhavenwithdreamyeyesuponthesweatandtussleoftheworld’sbattle。Hadheinsteadbeeninthethickofthefight，itmighthavebeenharderforhimtobelievethathisenemieseverhadrightupontheirside。

"Buttellmethis，"saidMyles，presently，"dostthou，then，thinkthatIdoevilinseekingtodoabattleoflifeordeathwiththiswickedEarlofAlban，whohathsoruinedmyfatherinbodyandfortune？"

"Nay，"saidPriorEdward，thoughtfully，"Isaynotthatthoudoestevil。Warandbloodshedseemhardandcruelmatterstome；

butGodhathgiventhattheybeintheworld，andmayHeforbidthatsuchapoorwormasIshouldsaythattheybeallwrongandevil。Meseemsevenanevilthingissometimespassinggoodwhenrightfullyused。"

Mylesdidnotfullyunderstandwhattheoldmanmeant，butthismuchhegathered，thathisspiritualfatherdidnotthinkillofhisfightingtheEarlofAlbanforhistemporalfather’ssake。

SoMyleswenttoFranceinLordGeorge’scompany，asoldieroffortune，ashisCaptainwas。Hewasthereforonlysixmonths，butthosesixmonthswroughtagreatchangeinhislife。InthefiercefactionalbattlesthatragedaroundthewallsofParis；intheevillifewhichhesawattheBurgundiancourtinParisitselfafterthetruce——acourtbrilliantandwicked，wittyandcruel——thewonderfulliquorofyouthhadevaporatedrapidly，andhischaracterhadcrystallizedasrapidlyintothehardnessofmanhood。Thewarfare，theblood，theevilpleasureswhichhehadseenhadbeenafiery，crucibletesttohissoul，andIlovemyherothatheshouldhavecomeforthfromitsowell。HewasnolongertheinnocentSirGalahadwhohadwalkedinpurewhiteuptheLongHalltobeknightedbytheKing，buthissoulwasofthatgrim，sterling，ruggedsortthatlookedoutcalmlyfromhisgrayeyesuponthewickednessanddebaucheryaroundhim，andloveditnot。

Thenonedayacouriercame，bringingapacket。ItwasaletterfromtheEarl，biddingMylesreturnstraightwaytoEnglandandtoMackworthHouseupontheStrand，nightoLondon，withoutdelay，andMylesknewthathistimehadcome。

ItwasabrightdayinAprilwhenheandGascoynerodeclatteringoutthroughTempleBar，leavingbehindthemquaintoldLondontown，itsblankstonewall，itscrooked，dirtystreets，itshigh—

gabledwoodenhouses，overwhichrosethesharpspireofSt。

Paul’s，toweringhighintothegoldenair。Beforethemstretchedthestraight，broadhighwayoftheStrand，ononesidethegreathousesandpalacesofprincelypriestsandpowerfulnobles；ontheothertheCoventGarden，（ortheConventGarden，asitwasthencalled），andtherollingcountry，wheregreatstonewindmillsswungtheirslow—movingarmsinthedamp，softAprilbreeze，andawayinthedistancetheScottishPalace，theWhiteHall，andWestminster。

ItwasthefirsttimethatMyleshadseenfamousLondontown。Inthatdimanddistanttimeofhisboyhood，sixmonthsbefore，hewouldhavebeenwildwithdelightandenthusiasm。NowhejoggedalongwithGascoyne，gazingabouthimwithcalminterestatopenshopsandboothsandtall，gabledhouses；atthebusythrongofmerchantsandcraftsmen，jostlingandelbowingoneanother；attownsfolk——menanddames——pickingtheirwayalongthemuddykennelofasidewalk。Hehadseensomuchoftheworldthathehadlostsomewhatofinterestinnewthings。Sohedidnotcaretotarry，butrode，withamindheavywithgravermatters，throughthestreetsandoutthroughtheTempleBardirectforMackworthHouse，neartheSavoyPalace。

ItwaswithagreatdealofinterestthatMylesandhispatronregardedoneanotherwhentheymetforthefirsttimeafterthathalf—yearwhichtheyoungsoldierhadspentinFrance。ToMylesitseemedsomehowverystrangethathisLordship’sfamiliarfaceandfigureshouldlooksoexactlythesame。ToLordMackworth，perhaps，itseemedevenmorestrangethatsixshortmonthsshouldhavewroughtsogreatachangeintheyoungman。Theruggedexposureincampandfieldduringthehardwinterthathadpassedhadroughenedthesmoothbloomofhisboyishcomplexionandbronzedhisfairskinalmostasmuchasamidsummer’ssuncouldhavedone。Hisbeardandmustachehadgrownagain，（nowheavierandmoremannishfromhavingbeenshaved），andthewhiteseamofascarovertherighttemplegave，ifnotastern，atleastadeterminedlooktothestrong，square—jawedyoungface。Sothetwostoodforawhileregardingoneanother。Myleswasthefirsttobreakthesilence。

"MyLord，"saidhe，"thoudidstsendformetocomebacktoEngland；behold，hereamI。"

"Whendidstthouland，SirMyles？"saidtheEarl。

"IandmysquirelandedatDoveruponTuesdaylast，"answeredtheyoungman。

TheEarlofMackworthstrokedhisbeardsoftly。"Thouartmarvellouschanged，"saidhe。"Iwouldnothavethoughtitpossible。"

Mylessmiledsomewhatgrimly。"Ihaveseensuchthings，myLord，inFranceandinParis，"saidhe，quietly，"as，mayhap，maymakealadamanbeforehistime。"

"FromwhichIgather，"saidtheEarl，"thatmanyadventureshavebefallenthee。MethoughtthouwouldstfindtroublesometimesintheDauphin’scamp，elseIwouldnothavesenttheetoFrance。"

Alittlespaceofsilencefollowed，duringwhichtheEarlsatmusingly，halfabsently，regardingthetall，erect，powerfulyoungfigurestandingbeforehim，awaitinghispleasureinmotionless，patient，almostdoggedsilence。Thestrong，sinewyhandswereclaspedandresteduponthelongheavysword，aroundthescabbardofwhichthebeltwaslooselywrapped，andtheplatesofmailcaughtandreflectedinflashing，brokenpieces，thebrightsunlightfromthewindowbehind。

"SirMyles，"saidtheEarl，suddenly，breakingthesilenceatlast，"dostthouknowwhyIsentfortheehither？"

"Aye，"saidMyles，calmly，"howcanIelse？ThouwouldstnothavecalledmefromParisbutforonething。MethinksthouhastsentformetofighttheEarlofAlban，andlo！Iamhere。"

"Thouspeakestveryboldly，"saidtheEarl。"Idohopethatthydeedsbeasboldasthywords。"

"That，"saidMyles，"thoumustaskothermen。Methinksnoonemayjustlycallmecoward。"

"Bymytroth！"saidtheEarl，smiling，"lookinguponthee——limbsandgirth，boneandsinew——Iwouldnotliketobethehethatwoulddareaccusetheeofsuchathing。Asforthysurmise，Imaytelltheeplainthatthouartright，andthatitwastofighttheEarlofAlbanIsentfortheehither。Thetimeisnownearlyripe，andIwillstraightwaysendforthyfathertocometoLondon。Meantimeitwouldnotbesafeeitherfortheeorformetokeeptheeinmyservice。IhavespokentohisHighnessthePrinceofWales，who，withotherofthePrinces，isuponoursideinthisquarrel。Hehathpromisedtotaketheeintohisserviceuntilthefittingtimecomestobringtheeandthineenemytogether，andto—morrowIshalltaketheetoScotlandYard，wherehisHighnessisnowlodging。"

AstheEarlendedhisspeech，Mylesbowed，butdidnotspeak。TheEarlwaitedforalittlewhile，asthoughtogivehimtheopportunitytoanswer。

"Well，sirrah，"saidheatlast，withashadeofimpatience，"hastthounaughttosay？Meseemsthoutakestallthiswithmarvellouscoolness。"

"HaveIthenmyLord’spermissiontospeakmymind？"

"Aye，"saidtheEarl，"saythysay。"

"Sir，"saidMyles，"Ihavethoughtandponderedthismattermuchwhileabroad，andwouldnowasktheeaplainquestioninallhonestanIha’thyleave。"

TheEarlnoddedhishead。

"Sir，amInotrightinbelievingthatthouhastcertainweightypurposesandaimsofthineowntogainanIwinthisbattleagainsttheEarlofAlban？"

"HasmybrotherGeorgebeentellingtheeaughttosuchapurpose？"saidtheEarl，afteramomentortwoofsilence。