and when Eustace saw her set aside and disregarded, his heart had
bounded with the thought that when he should lay his trophies at her
feet, Agnes would be honoured for his sake. But Eustace's honours
had been barren, and he could only look back with a sad heart to the
fancies of his youth, when he had deemed Knight-errantry might win
the lady of his love.

Eleanor had been one of the few who had known and loved the damsel
of Clarenham, and had encouraged her to lay aside her timidity.
Agnes wept for her as a sister, and still could hardly restrain
her sobs, when Eustace and his nephew were invited to the presence
of the ladies to narrate their melancholy tale.

Many tears were shed, and caresses lavished upon the orphan. The
ladies asked his destination, and on hearing that he was to be
taken to the Prince's court at Bordeaux, Agnes said, "We, too, are
bound to the Prince's court. I am to journey thither with Fulk.
Were it not better for Arthur to travel with us? Most carefully
would we guard him. It would spare him many a hardship, for which
he is scarce old enough; and his company would be a solace, almost
a protection to me. My pretty playfellow, will you be my travelling
companion?"

"I would go with you, Cousin Agnes, for you are kind and gentle, and
I love you well; but a brave Knight's son must learn to rough it;
and besides, I would not go with Sir Fulk, your brother, for he is
a false and cruel Knight, who persecuted my blessed mother to the
very death."

"Can this be? O speak, Eustace!" said Agnes. "What means the boy?