As he spoke, every one rose and unmasked; and Henry, taking Sir Osborne by the hand, led him forward to the queen, while all eyes naturally fixed upon him.
"Fair lady mine," said the king, "I bring you a good knight, Sir Osborne Maurice, who, as you see, has wit at will, and who, I can vouch, is as keen a champion in the saddle as he is a graceful dancer in the hall. In short, he is a very gentle perfect knight, whom you must cherish and receive for my love."
While Sir Osborne knelt and kissed the hand that she extended to him, Katherine replied, "Indeed, my lord, you have brought me one that I have longed to see. This is the good knight who, on his journey towards London, took charge of my giddy girl and namesake, Katrine Bulmer, and defended her from the Rochester rioters. Come hither, Kate, and in our presence thank the knight for all the trouble I am sure he had with thee upon the road."
"Nay, your grace," said Lady Katrine, advancing, "I have thanked him once already, and men are all too saucy and conceited to thank them twice."
"'Tis thou art saucy, my fair mistress," said the king, laughing; and then bending down his head to the queen, who was still seated, he whispered something to her which made her smile and raise her eyes to the knight and Lady Katrine. "A handsome pair, indeed!" said she, in reply to what the king had whispered. "But the banquet is ready."
"Lords and ladies," said Henry, raising his voice, "our royal mistress will not let us part without our supper. All, then, come in pairs, for in the White Hall is prepared a banquet. Sir Osborne, lead in Lady Katrine there; you shall be coupled for an hour at least."
Sir Osborne glanced his eye to Lord Darby; but the earl was perfectly master of his countenance, and looking as indifferent as if nothing had happened, led in some other lady, while the knight endeavoured to entertain Lady Katrine as well as he might, labouring under the comfortable assurance that she would very much have preferred another by her side.
CHAPTER XXI.
Would I a house for happiness erect,
Nature alone should be the architect.--Cowley.
Light hath no tongue, but is all eye;
If it could speak as well as spy,
This were the worst that it could say,
That being well I fain would stay.--Donne.