as none could be jealous of the pretty child, who, at the king's order,
made her way forward to the front, and took her seat in a chair placed
between the king and queen. The girl coloured brightly; but she had heard
so much of tourneys and jousts that she knew what was her duty. She had
been sitting far back on the previous day, and the apprentice, when brought
up before the king, was too far below for her to see his features. She now
recognized him.

"Sir Knights," she said in a loud, clear, childish voice, "you will both do
your duty today and show yourselves worthy cavaliers. Methinks that, as
queen of the tourney, I should be neutral between you, but as one of you
carries my gage in his helm, my good wishes must needs go with him; but
bright eyes will be fixed on you both, and may well stir you to deeds of
valour."

So saying, she resumed her seat with a pretty air of dignity.

"Why, sweetheart," the king said, "how is it that this 'prentice lad knows
your name, and how is it that he wears your gage, for I know that the young
Pembroke wears the glove of the Earl of Surrey's daughter?"

"He saved my life, sir, mine and my mother's," the child said, "and I told
him he should be my true knight, and gave him my bracelet, which you see he
wears in his helm."

"I recall somewhat of the story," the king said, "and will question my Lady
Vernon further anon; but see, the combatants are filing off to their
places."

With flags flying and trumpets blowing young Pembroke led his forces into