sion as the long
night spent in the chapel, watching his armor, thinking such wonderful
thoughts, and dreaming such wonderful wide-eyed dreams. At such times
Myles saw again the dark mystery of the castle chapel; he saw again the
half-moon gleaming white and silvery through the tall, narrow window,
and throwing a broad form of still whiteness across stone floor, empty
seats, and still, motionless figures of stone effigies. At such times
he stood again in front of the twinkling tapers that lit the altar where
his armor lay piled in a heap, heard again the deep breathing of his
companions of the watch sleeping in some empty stall, wrapped each in
his cloak, and saw the old chandler bestir himself, and rise and come
forward to snuff the candles. At such times he saw again the day growing
clearer and clearer through the tall, glazed windows, saw it change to
a rosy pink, and then to a broad, ruddy glow that threw a halo of light
around Father Thomas's bald head bowed in sleep, and lit up the banners
and trophies hanging motionless against the stony face of the west wall;
heard again the stirring of life without and the sound of his companions
arousing themselves; saw them come forward, and heard them wish him joy
that his long watch was ended.

It was nearly noon when Myles was awakened from a fitful sleep by
Gascoyne bringing in his dinner, but, as might be supposed, he had but
little hunger, and ate sparingly. He had hardly ended his frugal meal
before his two squires of honor came in, followed by a servant carrying
the garments for the coming ceremony. He saluted them gravely, and then
arising, washed his face and hands in a basin which Gascoyne held; then
kneeled in prayer, the others standing silent at a little distance. As
he arose, Lord George came forward.

"The King and the company come presently to the Great Hall, Myles," said
he; "it is needful for thee to make all the haste that thou art able."

Perhaps never had Devlen Castle seen a more brilliant and goodly company
gathered in the great hall than that which came to witness King Henry
create Myles Falworth a knight bachelor.

At the upper end of the hall was a raised dais, upon which stood
a throne covered with crimson satin and embroidered with lions and
flower-deluces; it was the King's seat. He and his personal attendants
had not yet come, but the rest of the company were gathered. The day
being warm and sultry, the balcony was all aflutter with the fea