.
Did I not forbid anyone to mock at him, and do you dare to disobey my
orders? Lady Gibourc, take Rainouart to your chamber, and keep him
beside you."

So the Countess went to the kitchen and found Rainouart sitting on a
bench, his head leaning against his staff. She sat down by him and
said graciously, "Brother, come with me and we will have some talk
together."

[Illustration: The Lady Gibourc with Rainouart in the kitchen]

"Willingly," answered Rainouart, "the more so that I can hardly keep my
hands off these scoundrels."

He followed Gibourc to her room, and then she questioned him about his
childhood.

"Have you brothers or sisters?" asked she.

"Yes," he answered, "beyond the sea I have a brother who is a King, and
a sister who is more beautiful than a fairy," and as he spoke he bent
his head. Something in her heart told Gibourc that this might be her
brother, but she only asked again, "Where do you come from?"

"Lady," he replied, "I will answer that question the day I come back
from the battle which William shall have won, thanks to my aid."

Gibourc kept silence, but she opened a chest and drew from it a white
breastplate that had belonged to her uncle, which was so finely wrought
that no sword could pierce it; likewise a helmet of steel and a sword
that could cut through iron more easily than a scythe cuts grass. "My
friend," she said, "buckle this sword to your side. It may be useful
to you."

Rainouart took the sword and drew it from its scabbard, but it seemed
so light that he threw it down again. "Lady," he cried, "what good can
such a plaything do me? But with my staff between my hands there is
not a Pagan that can stand up against me, and if one escapes then let
Count William drive me from his door."

At this Gibourc felt sure this was indeed her brother, but she did not
yet like to ask him more questions, and in her joy she began to weep.
"Lady," said Rainouart, "do not weep. As long as my staff is whole
William shall be safe."

"My friend, may Heaven protect you," she answered, "but a man without
armour is soon cut down; so take these things and wear them in battle,"
and she laced on the helmet, and buckled the breastplate, and fastened
the sword on his thigh. "If your staff breaks, it may serve you," said
she.

Rainouart was proud indeed when the armour was girded on him, and he
sat himself down well pleased at William's table. The Knights vied
with each other in pouring h