his slughorn and announce that the Red Knight of the Red Lawns
besought the light of the lady's countenance and also word with her.

After a due wait there came forth on a balcony within the wall a lady
who was indeed beautiful. Straight she held herself, straight and
direct her look. Soft brown hair, and her eyes shaded from a dark to
lighter brown as they flashed her moods.

Fine was her face, a face of true nobility and gentleness.

And as the Red Knight beheld her, his voice grew gentle, his words
strangely softspoken.

"My lady, I am your loyal knight. I pray you to listen to me as I
pledge again my loyalty and homage."

There was scorn in the lady's voice, as she cast a withering look upon
the knight.

"Soft are your words, Sir Knight. Yet if I do not do the cat a great
injustice it is the same softness as is hers when she spies her prey.
For yonder I have proof of such knighthood as is yours." And Dame
Lyoness pointed to the dead knights hanging from the trees.

"Aye," replied the Red Knight, "and I would go further, I would tear
such as would deign to keep me from you, limb from limb. Yet, gentle
lady, have I ever shown you proper courtesy and respect as you may
well testify. What, I pray you, keeps me from entering this castle now
and taking you by force, if need be?"