"What would you say if I, too, tried for a smile?" De Lacy asked.

De Wilton ran his eyes very deliberately over the handsome figure
beside him.

"That you will win it," he said, "and may be more than one--and the
chains that trail behind. . . Beware, the chains are very heavy."

De Lacy shook his head. "Strong they may be--strong as life--but
heavy, never."

Sir Ralph looked at him in wondering surprise--then clapped him on the
shoulder.

"French skies and French blood! Pardieu, man, go in and show this
Darby and the others how the game is played."

"But the chains------"

"Wrap them about her also. And by Heaven, why not?--the last of the
Lacys and the last of the Clares. St. George, it would be like old
times in Merry England."

"Nay, Sir Ralph," said Aymer, laying his hand upon the other's arm,
"your words are quite too flattering. I must be content with the
smile."

De Wilton raised his eyebrows. "You brought the chains across the
Channel with you?"