"True. My bid is costlier."
"Name it."
"A kiss from my mouth."
At the sound of his laughter the rose flowed into her cheek.
"What, a bauble for my jewel, too-eager lady?" he said harshly. "Do the women of this land hold themselves so light? In mine men carve their kisses with the sword. Hark ye, young Queen! set a better value on that red mouth if you'd continue to have it valued."
"I could have you whipped for this," said Maudlin.
"I do not think so," Harding answered, and stepped down the river-bank into his waiting boat.
"I keep my clasp," said Clarimond.
Seven men sprang hotly to their feet. "What's your will, Queen?"
"Nothing," said Maudlin slowly, as she watched him row over the water. "Let the smith go. This test was between him and me and no man's business else. Well, he is of a temper to come through fire unmelted." She flashed a smile upon the seven that made them tremble. "But he is a mannerless churl, we will not think of him. Which among YOU would spurn my kiss?" She offered her mouth in turn, and seven flames passed over its scarlet. Maudlin laughed a little and beckoned her watching maids. "Well!" she said, taking the path to the castle, "He that had had strength to refuse me might have worn my favor to-morrow and for ever."