The Forest Lovers

This was vastly well; but Master Porges' present bent was towards

policy. Her ladyship had advised with him in her new occasions. "Sir

Galors de Born," she had said, "is a late enemy of mine no longer to

be feared, since I have won back all my fiefs by the readiness and

prudent discretion of the High Bailiff of Wanmeeting."

This good man had indeed made the most of his achievements, and,

reflecting that Prosper had gone alone to tackle Galors,--whereof he

was indubitably dead,--and that it was a pity no one should be any the

better for such a mishap, had told the whole story to his mistress,

carefully leaving the hero's name out of account. "For why," said the

Bailiff, "cause a woman to shed unavailing tears?"

"Remember, however," the Countess went on, "that this Galors may be

the escort of the Lady Pietosa de Bréauté, my daughter and your

mistress, to her home. Pay him then the respect due to such an

esquire, but no more. Receive from him my Lady Pietosa, and put

yourself between her and him--yourself at her right hand and in the

middle. She is not his; at the worst of all he is hers."

Master Porges bowed, observing. Here was need of a high stroke of

policy. Now policy to him meant mastery, and mastery when it did not

mean a drubbing, as it had done with Prosper (the greatest politician

he had ever known), meant a snubbing. With a cue from Prosper's

handling of the science, Master Porges thought he could show Galors,

politically, his place.

The white-robed throng of singers stopped, with wondering simple

faces, before the great black knight and his rose-clad lady. Prosper

doubtless looked grim--he hardly filled the headpiece of Galors: the

white wicket-gates, with many a dint across them, gleamed harshly from

the coal-black shield. Entra per me had an uncompromising ring

about it. His visor was down; he did not wish them to see a too good-

humoured face until he had exacted a tribute.

But Master Porges cantered up with many a sweep of hand and cap to the

lady.

"My lady, welcome to your halls and smiling goodly lands. We have done

what honour we might. Your ladyship will read it for an earnest of our

duties and good-will."

Thus Porges. Isoult sat wondering, very much confused. She was coming

in as a queen indeed. Master Porges went on to handle the esquire.

"Master Galors, good-day to you," he said. "My lady the Countess of

Hauterive hath heard of you. She may possibly send for you anon. In

the meantime, in the pendency of her motions to that grace, I am to

receive from you the Lady Pietosa, who has suffered your attentions so

far, and who thanks you, through me, her inherited minister. At your

ladyship's pleasure now. Follow us, good Master Galors."