ducats into three lots, two of a thousand each and one of five hundred.

When the young ladies entered, they would have fallen on their knees as
their mother had done before them, but Bayard would not consent that
they should remain in this humble attitude.

"My lord," said the elder, "these two poor girls, who owe so much to
your kindness, are come to take leave of you, and humbly to thank your
lordship for your goodness, for which they can make no return other than
to pray that God may hold you in His good care."

"Dear damsels," answered Bayard, much affected, "you have done what I
ought to do; that is, to thank you for your good company, for which I am
much beholden. You know that fighting men are not likely to be laden
with pretty things to present to ladies. I am sorry not to be better
provided. But here are some ducats brought me by your lady-mother. Of
these I give to each of you a thousand towards your marriage; and for my
recompense you shall, if it please you, pray God for me, as you have
offered."

He swept the ducats from the table into their aprons, forcing them to
accept them whether they would or not. Then, turning to his hostess, he
said,--

"Madam, I will take these five hundred ducats that remain for my own
profit, to distribute among the poor sisterhoods of this town which have
been plundered; and to you I commit the charge of them, since you,
better than any other, will understand where they are most needed. And
with this mission I take my leave of you."

Then he bade them adieu by touching their hands, after the Italian
fashion, "and they fell upon their knees, weeping so bitterly that it
seemed as if they were to be led out to their deaths."

The dinner hour came and passed. When it was over the knight quickly
left the table and called for his horses, being eager to be gone for
fear the two armies might come to battle in his absence. As he left his
chamber to seek his horse, the two fair daughters of the house came down
to bid him a final farewell and to make him presents which they had
worked for him during his illness.

One gave him a pair of pretty and delicate bracelets, made of gold and
silver thread, worked with marvellous neatness. The other presented him
a handsome purse of crimson satin very cleverly ornamented with the
needle. The knight received these graceful gifts with warm thanks,
saying that presents which came from hands so fair were more to him than
a hundred-fold their v