“Sire,” replied the knight, “pardon me, I pray you. I love your daughter, and love has drawn me to her feet.”
Helen trembled, for she had also fallen in love.
“Who are you?” asked the giant.
He questioned the knight in such a severe manner that the maiden shivered, and blushing with shame took her father’s hand, murmuring words only intelligible to him.
“I am Harry of Housestone,” replied the young man; “I was knighted by Lothario.”
“That is sufficient; be quite frank with me.”
“I see your gentle daughter for the first time. The sight of her fills me with a happiness which radiates through all my being. I feel that without her life is not worth living. If, sire, I am fortunate enough to have won her favour, I pray you to give me her hand.”
“You are worthy to be my son-in-law,” replied the giant. “However, I have sworn that I will only give her in marriage to whoever shall be able to construct a paved roadway in a single night. The next day at dawn he must be able to take her on horseback down the Causeway bordered by columns to St. George’s Chapel.”
After this speech he glanced ironically at the knight, and taking Helen by the hand led her home. As she was about to cross the threshold the young maiden cast a sad and tender glance at the Knight of Housestone, who was completely disheartened by the giant’s impossible demands.
