pavilion they found Thomas de Vaux in attendance on the
Queen. While Berengaria welcomed Blondel, King Richard spoke for some
time secretly and apart with his fair kinswoman.

At length, "Are we still foes, my fair Edith?" he said, in a whisper.

"No, my liege," said Edith, in a voice just so low as not to interrupt
the music; "none can bear enmity against King Richard when he deigns to
show himself, as he really is, generous and noble, as well as valiant
and honourable."

So saying, she extended her hand to him. The King kissed it in token of
reconciliation, and then proceeded.

"You think, my sweet cousin, that my anger in this matter was feigned;
but you are deceived. The punishment I inflicted upon this knight was
just; for he had betrayed--no matter for how tempting a bribe, fair
cousin--the trust committed to him. But I rejoice, perchance as much as
you, that to-morrow gives him a chance to win the field, and throw
back the stain which for a time clung to him upon the actual thief and
traitor. No!--future times may blame Richard for impetuous folly, but
they shall say that in rendering judgment he was just when he should and
merciful when he could."

"Laud not thyself, cousin King," said Edith. "They may call thy justice
cruelty, thy mercy caprice."

"And do not thou pride thyself," said the King, "as if thy knight,
who hath not yet buckled on his armour, were unbelting it in
triumph--Conrade of Montserrat is held a good lance. What if the Scot
should lose the day?"

"It is impossible!" said Edith firmly. "My own eyes saw yonder Conrade
tremble and change colour like a base thief; he is guilty, and the trial
by combat is an appeal to the justice of God. I myself, in such a cause,
would encounter him without fear."

"By the mass, I think thou wouldst, wench," said the King, "and beat him
to boot, for there never breathed a truer Plantagenet than thou."

He paused, and added in a very serious tone, "See that thou
continue to remember what is due to thy birth."

"What means that advice, so seriously given at this moment?" said Edith.
"Am I of such light nature as to forget my name--my condition?"

"I will speak plainly, Edith," answered the King, "and as to a friend.
What will this knight be to you, should he come off victor from yonder
lists?"

"To me?" said Edith, blushing deep with shame and displeasure. "What can
he be to me more than an honoured knight, worthy of such grace as
Queen Berengaria mi