"A good North of England name," she commented.

"Aye, it once ran with Clare in Yorkshire," he answered.

"The Clares are done," said she, and sighed a bit.

"And the flower of them all bloomed last," he added gravely.

But she put the words aside.

"Do not be foolish, Sir Ralph. You know I dislike compliments. Tell
me about this Sir Aymer de Lacy--I never heard of him at Court."

"He has lived all his life in France."

"Patriotic, truly!" with a shrug.

"As to that," said the Knight, "it is fit that he should answer for
himself, and not through Sir Ralph de Wilton; though either Richard of
Gloucester entirely ignored the point or else he was quite satisfied."

She laughed. "Then it is not for me to raise it; so tell me why he
came to Pontefract."

"To take service with the Duke, I fancy--and methinks he has already
found one more reason for staying than for coming."

"The Duke is reason enough for a soldier who wants a man for a master,"
she said. Then suddenly faced about. "Let us hasten--I fear I have
overstayed my time."