in," she cried. "You shall punish him for his fault and for his
boast if his words prove false. But if he bear himself the better man he
shall be called a worthy suitor like yourself, and shall have an equal
chance with you."

Fortemain grumbled and looked sulky, for he felt ashamed to fight with a
wandering adventurer. But, since the Princess so commanded, there was
nothing for him but to obey. He drew his jeweled sword, and Joyeuse
lifted his plain one from where it lay on the step of the throne. The
courtiers made a ring around the two, and the bout began.

One--two! One--two! The bright blades flashed, and the two lads turned
one about the other, seeking each the advantage. They were both skillful
fencers; but the watchers soon saw that Joyeuse was the better man.
Dextrously he thrust and warily he parried. At last, with a sudden jump
and twist, he sent the weapon spinning from the hand of Fortemain. Away
across the hall it flew; and, with red face and scowling brow, the
Prince was forced to seek it where it fell.

"Well done! Well done!" cried the crowd, clapping their hands,
forgetting the fault of Joyeuse in the wonder of his bravery. And "Well
done!" cried Fleurette. "I, a Princess, name you in addition to your
other titles the Prince of Courage. Arise, Prince Joyeuse. Your suit is
answered thus, as I answer every prince who does me the honor to seek my
hand. If you be the very Prince for me you will know where to find my
heart. Seek it where it is hidden in my garden. _My heart is with my
favorite flower._ Farewell, my Princes both. An hour before noontide
to-morrow I will hold audience. Then he who is to be punished and he
who is to be rewarded shall learn their fate."

Saying thus she rose and, stepping lightly down from the throne, passed
out of the hall. Immediately all the lords and ladies followed her,
leaving the two suitors alone together.

Then the Prince Fortemain scowled at Joyeuse, and Joyeuse scowled back
at him; and they went out of the hall by opposite doors. For they loved
not each other.

Joyeuse was moving slowly away when the Gardener approached and touched
him on the shoulder. "How now, must I return to the dungeon as a
criminal?" asked Joyeuse, flushing red.

"Nay. Matters have changed, my Lord Prince," answered the Gardener
sulkily. "You seem no longer a trespasser, but a suitor. I do not
understand how the seesaw has tilted so suddenly. But certainly you are
to be lodged in no dun