Sir Thomas Stanley, and some gossips even went so far as to say
that she had already plighted her troth to him. The younger sister,
however, had kept her heart intact, and in spite of the persuasions of
Sir George and the threats of Lady Maude, had refused to comply with
their request to accept Sir Henry de la Zouch as her betrothed.

Although by no means dreary, yet the continual round of winter feasts
had at last begun to assume an aspect of staleness, and lords and
ladies alike had for some time past been eagerly anticipating the time
when they might once more pursue their noble sports. As the winter
had gradually withdrawn its ice and snow, and occasional gleams of
sunshine appeared, hearalding the advent of spring, the excitement had
increased. Dancing was discarded, the tapestry work was laid aside,
and all with one mind began to make preparations for the coming
excursions.

And now the long wished for day had come. The number of guests at the
Hall had been largely augmented by fresh arrivals, and as the jovial
baron looked round the table at the feast of the previous evening, he
declared that a better company could not be found in all the land.

The scene as they started out was animated in the extreme. The ladies,
in their many-coloured dresses, riding on horseback, were gracefully
coquetting with the knights and squires who surrounded them and
dutifully paid their court to them with all the reverence of a
fast-departing chivalry.

The chase was to be on foot, and in the rear followed a number of
pages, each leading his dogs and carrying his own as well as his
master's jumping pole. Everything promised well. The turf had dried