"Do not fret your pretty eyes over that pair of hypocrites in black, yonder," one of them exclaimed loudly and speaking directly at the Benedictines; "they are holy only in a crowd. If they met you when none else were near, they would tear off each other's gowns to be the first in your favors."
"Right, comrade mine, right!" laughed his companion, bringing his fist down upon the table until the mugs rattled.
The two monks turned upon them.
"You godless men," said one sternly; "it is well you bear no badge of maintenance, else would your lord have chance to work some wholesome discipline upon you."
But the men-at-arms only laughed derisively and made no response.
Meanwhile the damsel had approached the strange Knight and sought a gratuity. With ostentatious display he drew out a quarter noble and dropped it on the tambourine. Then as she curtsied in acknowledgment he leaned forward, and caught her arm.
"Come, little one, show me your face," he said.
With a startled cry the girl sprang back and struggled to get free. But the Knight only smiled and drew her slowly to his knee, shifting his arm to her waist.
"Pardieu! my dear, be not so timid," he scoffed. "Kiss me and I may release you."
For answer she struck at him with the tambourine, cutting his chin with one of the metal discs so that the blood oozed out.