sollerets bore on their heels the golden spurs of his rank. Around his
waist was a broad belt wrought in gold, and from it, almost in front,
hung a great two-handed sword whose point reached to within a few
inches of the floor.

"You are welcome," said Gloucester. "A De Lacy should ever find a
ready greeting at Pontefract. Of what branch of the family are you?"

"One far removed from that which built this fortress, most noble Duke,"
returned the Knight, with a peculiarly soft accent. "My own ancestor
was but distantly connected with the last great Earl of Lincoln whom
the First Edward loved so well."

"I do not recall your name among those who fought for either York or
Lancaster. Did your family wear the White Rose or the Red?"

"Neither," said De Lacy. "Providence removed my sire ere the fray
began aright and when I was but a child in arms. When Your Grace won
fame at Tewkesbury I had but turned my thirteenth year."

"Where is your family seat?"

"At Gaillard Castle in the shire of Leicester, close by the River
Weak--or at least it stood there when last I saw it. It is ten long
years since I crossed its drawbridge and not twelve months of my life
have been spent within its walls."

"Your accent smacks of a Southern sun," said the Duke.

"My mother was of a French house, and to her own land she took me when