enter his castle
and spend the night there. To this they consented, but as they sat at
supper the damsel continued to berate her champion, in such language
that their host marvelled at the meekness of the knight.

In the morning the red knight came to Beaumains with his followers, and
proffered to him his homage and fealty at all times.

"I thank you," said Beaumains, "but all I ask is, that when I demand it
you shall go to Arthur's court, and yield yourself as his knight."

"I and my fellowship will ever be ready at your summons," replied the
red knight.

Then Beaumains and the damsel resumed their journey, while she, as if in
a fury of spite, berated him more vilely than ever before.

"Fair lady," he said, with all meekness, "you are discourteous to revile
me as you do. What would you have of me? The knights that you have
threatened me with are all dead or my vassals. When you see me beaten,
then you may bid me go in shame and I will obey, but till then I will
not leave you. I were worse than a fool to be driven off by insulting
words when I am daily winning honor."

"You shall soon meet a knight who will test your boasted strength. So
far you have fought with boys. Now you have a man who would try Arthur's
self."

"Let him come," said Beaumains. "The better a man he is, the more honor
shall I gain from a joust with him."

CHAPTER III.

THE RED KNIGHT OF THE RED LAWNS.

Beaumains rode forward with the damsel till it was close upon the hour
of noon, when he saw that they were approaching a rich and fair city,
well walled, and with many noble buildings.

Between them and the city extended a new-mown meadow, a mile and a half
in width, on which were placed many handsome pavilions.

"These pavilions belong to the lord who owns that city," said the
damsel. "It is his custom, during fair weather, to joust and tourney in
this meadow. He has around him five hundred knights and gentlemen of
arms, and they have knightly games of all sorts."

"I shall be glad to see that worthy lord," said Beaumains.

"That you shall, and very soon."

She rode on till she came in sight of the lord's pavilion.

"Look yonder," she said. "That rich pavilion, of the color of India, is
his. All about him, men and women, and horse-trappings, shields, and
spears, are of the same rare color. His name is Sir Persant of India,
and you will find him the lordliest knight you ever saw."

"Be he never so stout a knight," answered