this heiress;—and to attempt aught dishonourable against the intended bride of De Bracy—By

Heaven! were he a whole Chapter of his Order in his single person, he dared not do me such an injury!"

"Then since nought that I can say," said Fitzurse, "will put this folly from thy imagination (for well I know the obstinacy of thy disposition), at least waste as little time as possible—let not thy folly be lasting as well as untimely."

"I tell thee," answered De Bracy, "that it will be the work of a few hours, and I shall be at York at the head of my daring and valorous fellows, as ready to support any daring design as thy policy can be to form one—But I hear my comrades assembling, and the steeds stamping and neighing in the outer-court—Farewell. —I go, like a true knight, to win the smiles of beauty."

"Like a true knight?" repeated Fitzurse, looking after him; "like a natural fool, I should say, or like a child, who will leave the most serious and needful occupation, to chase the down of the thistle that drives past him—But it is with such