Albert and Edgar had learned the use of them in Flanders. Lady Agatha and Aline said that they were charming, but Sir Ralph declared that he greatly preferred using his fingers. After the meal was concluded, water was brought round in a silver bowl, with a damask napkin for them to wipe their fingers on.
"The wine is excellent," Sir Ralph said. "You can scarcely have purchased this at Cliffe or Gravesend."
"It is from the cellar, Sir Ralph, which is well stocked with the wines of France and Spain."
"Truly, Albert," Dame Agatha said, "this is not a castle; it is a veritable enchanted palace. Mynheer Van Voorden is like one of the good genii the Saracens believe in, who can, at will, summon up from the ground a vast palace, ready built and furnished. I trust that it will not at once vanish as soon as we leave it. Were it to do so I should scarcely be more surprised than I have been at its splendour and comfort."
"Do you tarry here to-night, Sir Albert?" the steward asked, as they rose from the table.
"No, we are going to take horse at once and ride to Hoo."
"Will you take the men-at-arms with you? They have horses in the stables."
"Not to-day," Albert said. "We are a family party, and travelling quietly."
As they rode into the street of Hoo, Mr. Ormskirk came out of a tavern, where he had been resting. After greeting the ladies and Sir Ralph, he said, "I had begun to think that you must have changed your minds, and that you were not coming hither to-day. I expected you three hours ago."
"We have been viewing the marvels of an enchanted castle, Mr. Ormskirk," Dame Agatha said. "We will not tell you about them, for doubtless you will see others like them here, and it would be a pity for me to prepare you for what you are to see."