few who think themselves demeaned by accepting gifts of money in reward for
services, you would rather my gratitude took some other form. It can only
do that of offering you such good services that I can render with Earl
Talbot, should you ever choose the profession of arms; and in the meantime,
as a memento of the lives you have saved, you will, I am sure, not refuse
this chain," and she took a very handsome one of gold from her neck; "the
more so since it was the gift of her majesty, our gracious queen to myself.
She will, I am sure, acquit me of parting with her gift when I tell her
that I transferred it to one who had saved the lives of myself and my
daughter, and who was too proud to accept other acknowledgment."

Colouring deeply, and with tears in his eyes at the kindness and thoughtful
consideration of the lady, Walter knelt on one knee before her, and she
placed round his neck the long gold chain which she had been wearing.

"It is a knight's chain," the lady said, smiling, "and was part of the
spoil gained by King Edward from the French. Maybe," she added kindly, "it
will be worn by a knight again. Stranger things have happened, you
know."

Walter flushed again with pleasure.

"Maybe, lady," he said modestly, "even apprentices have their dreams, and
men- at-arms may always hope, by deeds of valour, to attain a knight's
spurs even though they may not be of noble blood or have served as page and
squire to a baron; but whether as a 'prentice or soldier, I hope I shall
never do discredit to your gift."

"Edith, come here," Dame Vernon said, "I have done talking now. And what
are you going to give this brave knight of ours who saved us from