Hugh de Monthermer followed at a somewhat slower pace, thinking that on that side she was safe; but just when Lucy was within a few yards of the arch to which her steps were directed, some three or four men came out from under the pillars, and advanced towards her with a shout of ribald laughter. With a bound like that of a sword-player, Hugh de Monthermer sprang forward, and was by her side before they could reach her.
"Halloo, halloo!" cried one; "we have started the game."
"Run it down--run it down!" exclaimed another; and a third, evidently bearing more wine than wit, added something still more offensive.
Another step brought the lovers close to the doorway, but one of the revellers cast himself in the way, as if to stop the passage.
"Stand back, Sir Guy de Margan!" cried the young knight, sternly; "stand back, I say."
But, finding that instead of doing as he was directed, the other spread wide his arms to catch Lucy as he passed, Hugh struck him one blow with his clenched hand which laid him prostrate on the pavement.
Lucy sprang through the doorway and ran up the steps like lightning; and her lover, folding his arms upon his chest, walked slowly onward through the midst of those opposed to him. They regarded him with frowning brow, and muttering voices, but suffered him to pass; and as he reached the gate which led towards his own chamber, he heard a sound of loud laughter, succeeding apparently to the anger which the blow he had struck had produced.
CHAPTER XXV.
In one of the ante-rooms of the palace at Eltham, on the morning following, sat five gentlemen, dressed with extravagant gaudiness, their hair curled, and in some instances plaited like that of women, and their persons adorned with innumerable rings and trinkets.
"Out upon it!--bear a blow?" cried one of them. "I will have revenge!"