rescue by a gallant Knight, who braved
their utmost fury?"

"It was even so, Lady," said Eustace, with some embarrassment.

"Oh! who was that noblest of Knights, that I may name him in my most
fervent prayers? who has that strongest claim on the gratitude of the
broken-hearted sister?"

"Nay, Lady, it was but common duty, the mere mercy of a Christian man,
who could not see a fellow-creature die such a death, without
attempting to save him."

"Oh, Sir Eustace! it is not like your former self to deny the greatness
of a noble deed! I will not be robbed of my gratitude! Tell me the
name of that most noble of men!"

He half smiled, then looking down, and colouring deeply: "Do you
remember, Lady Agnes, the Knight whom you bound by a promise, that in
case of the triumph of his cause--"

"Eustace, Eustace! Oh, I should have known that nothing was too great
and high for you, that you would not disparage the nobleness of any
other than yourself. Oh, how shall I ever render you my thanks! After
such cruel treachery as that from which you have, and, I fear me, are
still suffering! Alas! alas! that I should be forced to use such harsh
words of my own brother!"

"I trust you may still be comforted, Lady," said Eustace. "From what
the good Fathers tell me, there is hope that Fulk may yet be an altered
man, and when the pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which he has vowed, is
concluded, may return in a holy temper."

"Return; but whither should he return?" said Agnes, in a broken,
despondent tone,--"landless, homeless, desolate, outcast, what shelter
is open to him? For if the porteress's tale spoke truth, his lands and
manors are forfeited to the King."

"They are so, in truth; but there is one way, Agnes, in which they may
still be restored to their true owner."

"How so? What mean you, Sir Eustace?"

"Agnes, I would not have broken upon your sorrow by speaking thus
abruptly, but that the Prince's, or rather the King's desire was
urgent, that the matter should be determined without loss of time. To
you, in all justice, does he will that the castles and manors of
Clarenham should descend, but on one condition."

Agnes raised her eyes, and, while she slowly shook her head, looked
anxiously at him as he paused in considerable embarrassment.

"On condition that you, Lady Agnes, should permit the King and Prince
to dispose of your fair hand in marriage."

Agnes gave a slight cry, and leant against the grate of the p