."

Myles saw Gascoyne direct a sharp glance at him; but he answered nothing
either to his enemy's words or his friend's look.

As the bachelor had said, Blunt came the next morning. It was just after
chapel, and the whole body of squires was gathered in the armory waiting
for the orders of the day and the calling of the roll of those chosen
for household duty. Myles was sitting on a bench along the wall, talking
and jesting with some who stood by, when of a sudden his heart gave a
great leap within him.

It was Walter Blunt. He came walking in at the door as if nothing had
passed, and at his unexpected coming the hubbub of talk and laughter
was suddenly checked. Even Myles stopped in his speech for a moment, and
then continued with a beating heart and a carelessness of manner that
was altogether assumed. In his hand Blunt carried the house orders for
the day, and without seeming to notice Myles, he opened it and read the
list of those called upon for household service.

Myles had risen, and was now standing listening with the others. When
Blunt had ended reading the list of names, he rolled up the parchment,
and thrust it into his belt; then swinging suddenly on his heel, he
strode straight up to Myles, facing him front to front. A moment or two
of deep silence followed; not a sound broke the stillness. When Blunt
spoke every one in the armory heard his words.

"Sirrah!" said he, "thou didst put foul shame upon me some time sin.
Never will I forget or forgive that offence, and will have a reckoning
with thee right soon that thou wilt not forget to the last day of thy
life."

When Myles had seen his enemy turn upon him, he did not know at first
what to expect; he would not have been surprised had they come to blows
there and then, and he held himself prepared for any event. He faced
the other pluckily enough and without flinching, and spoke up boldly in
answer. "So be it, Walter Blunt; I fear thee not in whatever way thou
mayst encounter me."

"Dost thou not?" said Blunt. "By'r Lady, thou'lt have cause to fear me
ere I am through with thee." He smiled a baleful, lingering smile, and
then turned slowly and walked away.

"What thinkest thou, Myles?" said Gascoyne, as the two left the armory
together.

"I think naught," said Myles gruffly. "He will not dare to touch me
to harm me. I fear him not." Nevertheless, he did not speak the full
feelings of his heart.

"I know not, Myles," said Gascoyne, shaking his he