"I am sorry, sir knight, for your mishap, and for your brother's death," said the damsel. "I had great need of your help, for I dread the passage of this forest."
"You need not," he replied. "To-night you shall lodge at my castle, and to-morrow I will aid you to pass the forest."
So they rode to his manor, which was not far distant. Here it happened as it had on the evening before, for the damsel reviled Beaumains, and would not listen to his sitting at the same table with her.
"Why deal you such despite to this noble warrior?" said the green knight. "You are wrong, for he will do you good service, and whatever he declares himself to be, I warrant in the end you will find him to come of right noble blood."
"You say far more of him than he deserves," she replied. "I know him too well."
"And so do I, for he is the best champion I ever found; and I have fought in my day with many worthy knights."
That night, when they went to rest, the green knight set a guard over Beaumains's chamber, for he feared some harm to him from the bitter scorn and hatred of the damsel. In the morning he rode with them through the forest, and at parting said,—
"My lord Beaumains, I and my knights shall always be at your summons, early or late, or whatever be the service you demand."
"That is well said. When I require your service it will be to yield yourself and your knights to King Arthur."
"If you bid us do so, we shall be ready at all times."