her all to himself! But these modern young fellows had not half the
mettle that he had had!

So at last dessert-time came, with its toasts for the _Queen Guinevere_.
And the bridal pair had spoken together never a word; and Lady
Anningford, who was watching them, began to fear for the success of her
plan. However, there was no use turning back now. So, amidst jests of
all sorts in keeping with the spirit of Camelot and the Table Round, at
last _Brangaine_ rose and, taking the gold cup in front of her, said,

"I, _Brangaine_, commissioned by her Lady Mother, to conduct the _Lady
Isolt_ safely to _King Mark_, under the knightly protection of the _Lord
Tristram_, do now propose to drink their health, and ye must all do
likewise, Lords and Ladies of Arthur's court." And she sipped her own
glass, while she handed the gold cup to the Duke, who passed it on to
the pair; and Tristram, because all eyes were upon him, forced himself
to continue the jest. So he rose and, taking Zara's hand, while he bowed
to the company, gave her the cup to drink, and then took it himself,
while he drained the measure. And every one cried, amidst great
excitement, "The health and happiness of _Tristram_ and _Isolt_!"

Then, when the tumult had subsided a little, _Brangaine_ gave a
pretended shriek.

"Mercy me! I am undone!" she cried. "They have quaffed of the wrong cup!
That gold goblet contained a love-potion distilled from rare plants by
the Queen, and destined for the wedding wine of _Isolt_ and _King Mark_!
And now the _Lord Tristram_ and she have drunk it together, by
misadventure, and can never be parted more! Oh, misery me! What have I
done!"