apable of even a
greater feat than this, though it were a very great one."--
Lalanne's _OEuvres de Brantome_, vol. ix. pp. 6, 7.--L.

The lady was, I think, more astonished than pleased by such virtue; and
giving no heed to the honour, patience and faithfulness her lover had
shown in the keeping of his oath, she forthwith suspected that his love
was not so great as she had thought, or else that he had found her less
pleasing than he had expected.

She therefore resolved, before keeping her promise, to make a further
trial of the love he bore her; and to this end she begged him to
talk to a girl in her service, who was younger than herself and very
beautiful, bidding him make love speeches to her, so that those who saw
him come so often to the house might think that it was for the sake of
this damsel and not of herself.

The young lord, feeling sure that his own love was returned in equal
measure, was wholly obedient to her commands, and for love of her
compelled himself to make love to the girl; and she, finding him so
handsome and well-spoken, believed his lies more than other truth, and
loved him as much as though she herself were greatly loved by him.

The mistress finding that matters were thus well advanced, albeit the
young lord did not cease to claim her promise, granted him permission to
come and see her at one hour after midnight, saying that after having so
fully tested the love and obedience he had shown towards her, it was but
just that he should be rewarded for his long patience. Of the lover's
joy on hearing this you need have no doubt, and he failed not to arrive
at the appointed time.

But the lady, still wishing to try the strength of his love, had said to
her beautiful damsel--

"I am well aware of the love a certain nobleman bears to you, and I
think you are no less in love with him; and I feel so much pity for you
both, that I have resolved to afford you time and place that you may
converse together at your ease."

The damsel was so enchanted that she could not conceal her longings, but
answered that she would not fail to be present.

In obedience, therefore, to her mistress's counsel and command, she
undressed herself and lay down on a handsome bed, in a room the door of
which the lady left half-open, whilst within she set a light so that the
maiden's beauty might be clearly seen. Then she herself pretended to go
away, but hid herself near to the bed so carefully that she could no