the strife would have been. Take this chain from your king, who is glad to
see that his citizens of London are able to hold their own even against
those of our court, than whom we may say no braver exist in Europe. Kneel
now to the queen of the tourney, who will bestow upon you the chaplet which
you have so worthily earned."

Walter bent his knee before Edith Vernon. She rose to her feet, and with an
air of pretty dignity, placed a chaplet of laurel leaves, wrought in gold
and clasped with a valuable ruby, on his head.

"I present to you," she said, "the chaplet of victory, and am proud that my
gage should have been worn by one who has borne himself so bravely and
well. May a like success rest on all your undertakings, and may you prove a
good and valiant knight!"

"Well said, Mistress Edith," Queen Philippa said smiling. "You may well be
proud of your young champion. I too must have my gift," and drawing a ring
set with brilliants from her finger she placed it in Walter's hand.

The lad now rose to his feet. "The prince my son," the king said, "has
promised that you shall ride with his men-at-arms when he is old enough to
take the field. Should you choose to abandon your craft and do so earlier I
doubt not that one of my nobles, the brave Sir Walter Manny, for example,
will take you before that time."

"That will I readily enough," Sir Walter said, "and glad to have so
promising a youth beneath my banner."

"I would that you had been of gentle blood," the king said.