the two families might be made to show a common origin. Back to
the Conquest and before it there was not a noble family-tree every
twig and bud of which was not familiar to the Dame Ermyntrude.

And now when the trestles were cleared and the three were left
alone in the hall, Chandos broke his message to the lady. "King
Edward hath ever borne in mind that noble knight your son Sir
Eustace," said he. "He will journey to Southampton next week, and
I am his harbinger. He bade me say, noble and honored lady, that
he would come from Guildford in any easy stage so that he might
spend one night under your roof."

The old dame flushed with pleasure, and then turned white with
vexation at the words. "It is in truth great honor to the house
of Loring," said she, "yet our roof is now humble and, as you have
seen, our fare is plain. The King knows not that we are so poor.
I fear lest we seem churlish and niggard in his eyes."

But Chandos reasoned away her fears. The King's retinue would
journey on to Farnham Castle. There were no ladies in his party.
Though he was King, still he was a hardy soldier, and cared little
for his ease. In any case, since he had declared his coming, they
must make the best of it. Finally, with all delicacy, Chandos
offered his own purse if it would help in the matter. But already
the Lady Ermyntrude had recovered her composure.

"Nay, fair kinsman, that may not be," said she. "I will make such
preparation as I may for the King. He will bear in mind that if
the house of Loring can give nothing else, they have always held
their blood and their lives at his disposal."