“‘Your wish shall be granted,’ said the Queen. ‘You may go to your love, and tell her my pleasure.’
“Across the field, on his black horse, went Alfred, to find Janice on her knees, bathing and bandaging the page’s head. She rose as Alfred approached. He bowed proudly and sprang to the ground. Before all the gathered villagers, he spoke, saying to Baudin, the father:
“‘Good man, the Queen, knowing the love that is in my heart for your daughter, has ordained that she be raised to my rank so that I may make her my wife.’
“Old Baudin became so embarrassed that he could hardly speak.
“‘The honor you do us is great, Good Knight,’ he said. ‘It is very wonderful tidings, you bring. Janice, my child, what say you?’
“‘Verily, we are deeply honored,’ she said. ‘And we thank you and beg you to ask the forgiveness of my Lady, the Queen, but I do not love you, Sir Knight; I would ask that you do not demand that I marry you.’
“‘Great Saints!’ shouted Alfred. ‘Am I to understand that you refuse a chance to marry with one of my station and bearing? Strike me, but you are a proud one and the more to be desired. Sir, what say you of the girl’s nonsense? Command her to rise up and go to the Queen that she may be made of high rank and a fitting bride for me!’
“‘Sir Knight,’ said old Baudin, now very proud and calm, ‘I am the father of my child’s happiness, not the keeper of her heart. Her wish is my wish ever. She will thank our good Queen for her graciousness and beg to decline the honor.’
“‘We shall see,’ said Alfred. ‘Come, I shall lead you to the Queen. Perhaps her Gracious Self will be able to drive this stupidity out of your head.’
“Janice put her fingers in his and allowed him to lead her to the Queen’s box. At Guinivere’s feet sat the page, his head bandaged, his chin in his hands.