Deign then to descend from that horse
and take a turn with me though I be tired, and thus prove my commonness
upon my body. Of your nobility do this, seeing that after all we are of
one flesh."
Now, stung in his turn, he made as though he would do what I prayed,
when for the first time, after glancing at her father who sat
still--puzzled, it would seem--the lady Blanche spoke.
"Be not mad, Cousin," she said. "I tell you that this gentleman has
saved my life and honour, twice at least to-day. Is it wonderful, then,
if I thanked him in the best fashion that a woman can, and thus brought
your insults on him?"
He hesitated, though one of his curled-up shoes was out of the stirrup,
when suddenly Sir Robert broke in in his big voice, saying:
"God's truth, Cousin, I think that you will do well to leave this young
cock alone, since I like not the look of that red spur of his," and he
glanced at the sword Wave-Flame. "Though he be weary, he may have a kick
or two in him yet."
Then he turned to me and added:
"Sir, you have fought well; many a man has earned knighthood for less,
and if a fair maid thanked you in her own fashion, you are not to blame.
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