"Say you, _'twould be?_ Yet, if I mistake not, have I heard that
that blessed state is already yours. Though no sign have I seen as
yet, of the Lady Dolphus.

"Aye, friend, married am I, worse the pity. And when I ask the Church
to annul this unhappy state, and give it many gifts, still does it
turn stubborn over such a little thing."

"What harm therein, my friend? Since that the lady is not with you?"
Friendly was Sir Launcelot's tone and right sympathetic.

"Aye, there I come back to what I have said--about marriage being most
convenient at times. For would they annul the marriage I could then
marry again, one who owns vast estate. And that would make me all
powerful in Gascony."

Such laughter as shook the frame of Sir Launcelot. Nor was it
unkindly.

"A great rogue you," he spoke pleasantly. "Off with the old and on
with the new. Is it not so? And I fancy the new is also right young or
I am greatly mistaken? Eh?"

Great was Sir Launcelot's hilarity. Nor did the other take offense
thereat.

"I care little as to her youth or not. But I do care for the estate
that goes with her," replied Sir Dolphus.