meadow to prepare the tables, while knights and ladies followed the more
leisurely path along the river bank. It was a walk through fairyland. The
very waters were in a holiday mood. The current strayed from one side to
the other, leaving clear still pools and enticing little backwaters, and
singing past the elfin islets and huge overshadowing trees, like a gleeful
spirit.

Lady Philippa had never looked more lovely. As the party was not to be
seen on a public road, veils and wimples were discarded, and her bright
brown hair, braided in two long braids, was crowned only by a circlet of
gold set with pearls and emeralds. The trailing robes worn at formal
dinners would also be out of place, and she wore a bliaut or outer robe of
her favorite rose-colored silk, a wide border of gold embroidery giving it
weight enough to make it hang in graceful lines. The sleeves were loose
and long, the ends almost touching the hem of the gown. Under this was a
violet silk robe of heavier material with bands of ermine at the neck and
on the small close sleeves. Under this again the embroidered edges of a
fine white linen robe could be seen at throat and wrists. The girdle was
of braided violet silk, the ends weighted with amethyst and emerald
ornaments. A white mantle of silk and wool, trimmed with fur of the black
squirrel, and fastened under the chin with a gold button, and an
embroidered alms-purse, completed the costume. The other ladies of the
party were attired as carefully, and the dress of the men was as rich and
brilliant as that of the women. They passed through the wavering light and
shadow of the woodlands like a covey of bright-plumaged birds.

In the level open space where the feast was spread the servants had placed
trestles, over which long boards were fitted. Benches covered with silken
cushions served as seats. The cloth was of linen dyed scarlet in the rare
Montpellier dye, and over it was spread another of white linen,