g of his fame, became very desirous of beholding him. She sent
her chamberlain to Eliduc saying that she wished to hear the story of
his deeds, and he, quite as anxious to see the imprisoned Princess of
whom he had heard so much, set out at once. On beholding each other
they experienced deep agitation. Eliduc thought that never had he seen
so beautiful and graceful a maiden, and Guillardun that this was the
most handsome and comely knight she had ever met.

For a long time they spoke together, and then Eliduc took his leave
and departed. He counted all the time lost that he had remained in the
kingdom without knowing this lady, but he promised himself that now he
would frequently seek her society. Then, with a pang of remorse, he
thought of his good and faithful wife and the sacred promise he had
made her.

Guillardun, on her part, was none the less ill at ease. She passed a
restless night, and in the morning confided her case to her aged
chamberlain, who was almost a second father to her, and he, all
unwitting that Eliduc was already bound in wedlock to another,
suggested that the Princess should send the knight a love-token to
discover by the manner in which he received it whether or not her love
was returned. Guillardun took this advice, and sent her lover a girdle
and a ring by the hands of the chamberlain. On receiving the token
Eliduc showed the greatest joy, girded the belt about his middle, and
placed the ring on his finger. The chamberlain returned to the
Princess and told her with what evident satisfaction Eliduc had
received the gifts. But the Princess in her eagerness showered
questions upon him, until at last the old man grew impatient.

"Lady," he said, somewhat testily, "I have told you the knight's
words; I cannot tell you his thoughts, for he is a prudent gentleman
who knows well what to hide in his heart."

Although he rejoiced at the gifts Eliduc had but little peace of mind.
He could think of nothing save the vow he had made to his wife before
he left her. But thoughts of the Princess would intrude themselves
upon him. Often he saw Guillardun, and although he saluted her with a
kiss, as was the custom of the time, he never spoke a single word of
love to her, being fearful on the one hand of breaking his conjugal
vow and on the other of offending the King.

One evening when Eliduc was announced the King was in his daughter's
chamber, playing at chess with a stranger lord. He welcomed the knight