while his royal brother was dallying in a life of indulgence amid the
dissipations of his Court, the brave and resolute Richard was leading
his armies, administering his governments, and preserving order on the
Marches of the Border.

Presently there was a sharp knock on the door and a page entered.

"Well?" demanded the Duke abruptly.

"May it please you, my lord," said the boy; "a messenger of importance
who desires immediate audience."

Richard frowned slightly.

"Whose badge does he wear?" he asked.

"No one's, my lord, but the fashion of his armor savors of the Court.
He bade me announce him as Sir Aymer de Lacy."

"The name, boy, is better recommendation than any fashion. Admit him."

De Lacy crossed to the center of the apartment with easy grace, and
after a deep obeisance stood erect and silent facing the Duke, who eyed
him critically. A trifle over the average height and rather slender,
and clad in complete mail except for the bascinet which he carried in
his hand, there was something in his appearance and bearing that
impressed even the warlike Richard. His dark hair hung in curls to his
gorget. His hauberk of polished steel was but partially concealed by
the jupon of azure silk emblazoned with a silver stag trippant; his
cuissarts and greaves glistened in the firelight, and his long