g this thing. I know that it is a parlous bold matter for one so
raw in chivalry and in courtliness as I am, and one so poor in rank, to
ask thee for thy favor. An I ha' offended, I prithee let it be as though
I had not asked it."

Perhaps it was the young man's timidity that brought a sudden courage to
Lady Alice; perhaps it was the graciousness of her gentle breeding that
urged her to relieve Myles's somewhat awkward humility, perhaps it was
something more than either that lent her bravery to speak, even knowing
that the Lady Anne heard all. She turned quickly to him: "Nay, Sir
Myles," she said, "I am foolish, and do wrong thee by my foolishness
and silence, for, truly, I am proud to have thee wear my favor." She
unclasped, as she spoke, the thin gold chain from about her neck. "I
give thee this chain," said she, "and it will bring me joy to have it
honored by thy true knightliness, and, giving it, I do wish thee all
success." Then she bowed her head, and, turning, left him holding the
necklace in his hand.

Her cousin left the window to meet her, bowing her head with a smile
to Myles as she took her cousin's arm again and led her away. He stood
looking after them as they left the room, and when they were gone, he
raised the necklace to his lips with a heart beating tumultuously with a
triumphant joy it had never felt before.

CHAPTER 26

And now, at last, had come the day of days for Myles Falworth; the day
when he was to put to the test all that he had acquired in the three
years of his training, the day that was to disclose what promise of
future greatness there was in his strong young body. And it was a noble
day; one of those of late September, when the air seems sweeter and
fresher than at other times; the sun bright and as yellow as gold, the
wind lusty and strong, before which the great white clouds go sailing
majestically across the bright blueness of the sky above, while their
dusky shadows skim across the brown face of the rusty earth beneath.

As was said before, the lists had been set up in the great quadrangle
of the castle, than which, level and smooth as a floor, no more fitting
place could be chosen. The course was of the usual size--sixty paces
long--and separated along its whole length by a barrier about five feet
high. Upon the west side of the course and about twenty paces distant
from it, a scaffolding had been built facing towards the east so as to
avoid the glare of the afternoon sun.