"Welcome, Sir Jacques d'Erquai," exclaimed the seneschal, recognizing the new arrival as a distinguished knight of the French Court. "What is thy pleasure?"
"I ask entertainment for me and mine this night, Bertrand. To-morrow we hasten towards Harfleur, for my royal master hath deigned to favour me. In sooth, I am ambassador-extraordinary to the King of England."
That evening Sir Jacques was the guest at Taillemartel. During his stay he spoke but little concerning the nature of his mission. When, however, he had taken his departure, Arnold Gripwell approached the English lad, his face working with excitement.
"Yesternight I lay low and said but little, though mine ears were as busy as a housewife's fingers. Certes, though I understand that this Sir Jacques d'Erquai kept a proper curb on his tongue, his varlets lacked common discretion. What, think ye, is the Dauphin's answer to our Sovereign Lord's demands?"
"Surely the Dauphin will not submit tamely?" suggested Geoffrey.
"Of a surety he will not," continued the man-at-arms. "Not only hath he refused the king's conditions, but he hath gone further; by the hand of Sir Jacques he hath sent an insulting message, together with a present."
"The message?" asked Geoffrey eagerly.
"To fully understand the message 'tis necessary to know the nature of the present, young sir. In short, the Dauphin has sent a box of tennis balls with the message that King Harry would do better to find amusement with them rather than present a claim to the crown of France."
"After that there can be but one issue," remarked Geoffrey.
"Ay—war," was Gripwell's curt response.