Eustace, I will yet clear it; so, Arthur, be not downcast for me,
but think what Father Cyril hath taught concerning evil report and
good report. But tell me, how came you hither?"

"She--that is, the person that warned me--let me down from the window
upon the head of the great gurgoyle, and from thence I scrambled down
by the vines on the wall, ran through the court without being seen by
the Squires and grooms, and found my way to the bridge, where happily
I met John Ingram, who brought me hither."

"She?" repeated Gaston, with a sly look in his black eyes.

"I have said too much," said Arthur, colouring deeply; "I pray you to
forget."

"Forget!" proceeded the Squire, "that is sooner said than done. We
shall rack our brains to guess what lady can--"

"Hush, Gaston," said Eustace, as his nephew looked at him imploringly,
"tempt not the boy. And you, Arthur, must return to the palace
immediately."

"Oh, uncle!" said the boy, "may I not stay with you this one night?
It is eight weary months since I have ever seen you, save by peering
down through the tall balusters of the Princess's balcony, when the
Knights were going to dinner in the hall, and I hoped you would keep
me with you at least one night. See how late and dark it is--the
Castle gates will be closed by this time."

"It does indeed rejoice my heart to have you beside me, fair nephew,"