"He hath come!" cried Gertrude, tense with excitement, the instant horse and man appeared in the lists.
Beatrice followed her gaze, and for one instant joyfully agreed. Then she began to doubt.
"Nay, nay, Gertrude, this cannot be Sir John. Where are thy colours?"
"He hath had no time----"
"But Sir John is waxing on in years, and rideth heavily in his saddle. This man rideth with an ease and spring as though younger and of a lighter make. Hush--cry not out--'tis Edgar Wintour, of a certainty! 'Tis to this that I have goaded him on!"
"But why should----?"
"To save Sir John's honour. Didst not feel as though even death were better than his dishonour a moment agone when the heralds cried his name in vain? Hurrah--I could cry aloud to think that that vile Sir Gervaise will not gain a bloodless victory! But yet--after all--surely he cannot fail to conquer one who is but an esquire?"
Gertrude answered not, and both maidens sat still and held their breaths as the stirring scenes passed before their gaze.
It was observed by more than one that on the sudden entry of his antagonist Sir Gervaise showed signs of excitement. He seemed agitated and shook--with gusts of anger, those who noticed it supposed--and for some moments his charger reared and backed unmanageably, as though sharing his master's fierce emotions.
After a moment or two, however, the knight regained control over his steed, and with cruel jabs of the spur urged him back into position. The charger had been celebrated in the past for its unusual power and strength, and to this fact the reputation of Sir Gervaise was in a great measure due. It had now, however, passed its prime, and De Maupas could no longer count upon its excellence giving him the advantage of his competitors.