"FAIR LORD," SAID ELAINE.
"Fair lord," said Elaine, "I don't know your name but I believe it is the noblest himself of them all. Will you wear a token of me at the tournament today?"
"No, pretty lady," said he, "for I've never worn a token of any woman in the lists; as every one who knows me knows."
"Then by wearing mine you'll be less likely to be found out this time."
"That's true, my child, well, I'll wear it. Fetch it out to me. What is it?"
"A red sleeve bordered with pearls," replied Elaine, and she went in and brought it out to him.
Then he wound it round his helmet and said he had never before done so much for any girl in the world. The blood sprang to Elaine's face as he said that, and filled her with delight, although she grew all the paler as Lavaine came out and handed Sir Torre's shield to Lancelot. Lancelot gave his own shield to Elaine saying, "Do me this favor, child, keep my shield for me until I come back."
"It's a favor to me," she replied smiling, "I'll be your squire."
"Come, Lily Maid," cried Lavaine, "you'll be a lily maid in earnest if you don't get to bed and have some sleep," and he kissed her good-bye.
Lancelot kissed her hand as they moved away. She watched them at the gateway until their sparkling arms dipped below the downs, then climbed up to her tower with the shield and there she studied it and mused over it every day.