your name?"

"My name is Tristram of Lyonesse, and I am on my way to the court of
King Mark of Cornwall, taking to him La Belle Isolde, the daughter of
King Anguish of Ireland, whom he desires to wed."

"Then you are welcome to these marches, and all that I demand of you is
that you promise to go to Lancelot du Lake, and become his fellow. I
shall promise that no such custom shall ever be used in this castle
again."

"You will do well," said Tristram. "I would have you know that when I
began to fight with you I fancied you were Lancelot. And I promise, as
soon as I may, to seek him, for of all the knights in the world I most
desire his fellowship."

[Illustration: TRISTRAM AND THE FAIR ISOLDE.]

Soon afterwards Tristram and his fair companion resumed their journey,
and in due time reached Cornwall. But as they came near Tintagil their
hearts were ready to break, for that magic draught was still in their
veins, and they loved each other with a love that was past all telling.

Thoughts came into Tristram's heart to marry the maiden in despite of
custom and his plighted word, and gladly would she have consented
thereto. But strong as was his love, his honor was stronger, and Isolde,
deeply as she grieved, could not ask him to break his word. And thus for
many long miles they journeyed onward side by side in silence, their
eyes alone speaking, but they telling a story of love and grief to which
they dared not give words, lest their hearts' desire should burst all
boundaries of faith and honor, and men's condemnation come to them both.

So they came with drooping hearts to the court of King Mark, where the
king and his barons received them with state and ceremony. Quickly
thereafter the wedding took place, for the king looked with eyes of warm
approval upon the beautiful maiden, and prepared richly and nobly for
the ceremony, at which many noble knights and lords were present, but
from which Tristram withdrew in the deepest anguish, as he could not
endure the sight. And so his knightly word was kept, though to keep it
almost broke his heart.

CHAPTER V.

THE PERILS OF TRUE LOVE.

The marriage of King Mark with La Belle Isolde was celebrated with rich
feasts and royal tournaments, and for many days pleasure ruled supreme
at Tintagil Castle, whither noble guests came and went. Among those who
came was Palamides the Saracen, drawn thither by his love of Isolde,
which his overthrow by Tristram had not banish