first tour of duty in the Household as Knight-in-waiting was still
lounging in the antechamber.

"It seems to me," said Aymer, "I have heard that idea advanced once
before in France--or maybe it was in Italy."

"Doubtless--but the present proof of it is yonder," De Wilton answered,
nodding toward the window. "The Countess has just gone for a ride with
Darby."

De Lacy looked up from the dagger he was idly polishing on his doublet
sleeve.

"And the proof in particular is what?" he asked. "Her costume, her
horse, or her escort?"

"I gave her the horse," said De Wilton.

"That absolves the horse, and as it could not be the costume, it must
be . . ."

De Wilton brought his fist down on the bancal with a smash.

"Darby--and may the Devil fly away with him! . . . Oh! it is not
jealousy," catching Aymer's quick glance. "We were children together
at her father's castle, and she is like a sister to me."

"And so, as usual, ignores a brother's advice touching her suitors?" De
Lacy observed.