it, and she
smote Sir Ewaine upon the face with the glove so that the mark of her
glove lay upon his cheek. And Sir Ewaine made no defence against her
assault, but ever he gazed very steadfastly at her, and he said very
bitterly: "Lady, if thou wert a knight, thou wouldst not dare to do that
to me, for either thou wouldst pay for that blow with thy life, or else
I would wipe out the disgrace thereof with mine own blood."

But Elose laughed, and she went out from that pavilion and mounted her
horse and rode away, leaving Sir Ewaine with his head bowed full low
upon his breast as though he had been struck a mortal blow.

Then after the damsel had gone, King Arthur said, "Ewaine, who was that
lady?" And at that Sir Ewaine lifted his head and cried out with great
vehemence: "Sire, I know her not; nor can I remember that I have ever
seen her before."

At that King Arthur was silent and all those who were there looked
askance at Sir Ewaine and whispered together concerning those things
that had happened. And Sir Ewaine was aware of how they regarded him and
how they whispered together, yet he heeded them not, but ever sat with
his head bowed low with shame and humiliation. And ever he strove to
remember who that damsel was, but could not remember.

[Sidenote: _The King's court is adoubt concerning Sir Ewaine._]

So after that time there was much talk amongst those at the court
concerning that which had befallen in the King's pavilion. And many of
them said to one another: "How is it possible for a knight of honor and
of repute thus to forget one who had saved his life? And if he did
indeed remember her, what of honor hath he who would deny her before
those who know him?"

So those of the court spake together, and Sir Ewaine was aware that they
regarded him with disfavor and he was hurt to the quick by that
knowledge. So one day he came to King Arthur where he was, and he said:
"Lord, I am aware that I am held in disrepute in this court. Now I crave
thy leave to depart from hence at least for a season." And King Arthur
said: "Messire, I will not deny that many things displeasing to me are
said concerning thee. So if it be that thou art of a mind to quit us for
a while until thou art able to approve thy truth and thy honor, and
until thou hast disproved these things which thy calumniators say
against thee, thou hast my fair leave to depart according to thy
request."

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine departeth from the court._]