"And the flower of them all bloomed last," he added gravely.
But she put the words aside.
"Do not be foolish, Sir Ralph. You know I dislike compliments. Tell me about this Sir Aymer de Lacy—I never heard of him at Court."
"He has lived all his life in France."
"Patriotic, truly!" with a shrug.
"As to that," said the Knight, "it is fit that he should answer for himself, and not through Sir Ralph de Wilton; though either Richard of Gloucester entirely ignored the point or else he was quite satisfied."
She laughed. "Then it is not for me to raise it; so tell me why he came to Pontefract."
"To take service with the Duke, I fancy—and methinks he has already found one more reason for staying than for coming."
"The Duke is reason enough for a soldier who wants a man for a master," she said. Then suddenly faced about. "Let us hasten—I fear I have overstayed my time."
As they rounded a bastion near the keep they encountered Lord Darby.