"Why, how?"
"The Ashby estates were forfeited to the De la Zouches, but King Henry granted them back before he died, and I hear they are like to go at last."
"It were a pity for Sir Henry, but in truth, Maude, I like him not."
"Pooh, nonsense! He wants none of our pity, but I tell thee Dorothy is too good a match to throw away upon him."
"Perhaps so, Maude," replied the baron; "it may be so, but I shall be much mistaken if, after the tournament, he is able to ask for her again, but if he does I will refer him to you."
"That will do, Lettice," said Dorothy. "I have heard quite sufficient. Shut the window; I will go now and see how they are faring on the bowling green. I have a lighter heart now." And followed by a "God speed you" from her maid, she opened the door and passed out of the room.
CHAPTER VIII.
A TOURNAMENT. THE COMBAT.
At this the challenger, with fierce defy,
His trumpet sounds; the challenged makes reply.