\"Thenyieldthee！\"criedMyles，exultantly。
ThetriumphantshoutsoftheKnightsoftheRosestungBluntlikealash，andthebattlebeganagain。Perhapssomeoftheolderladswereofamindtointerfereatthispoint，certainlysomelookedveryserious，butbeforetheyinterposed，thefightwasended。
Blunt，grindinghisteeth，struckoneundercutathisopponent——thesameundercutthatMyleshadthattimestruckatSirJamesLeeattheknight’sbiddingwhenhefirstpractisedattheDevlenpels。MylesmettheblowasSirJameshadmettheblowthathehadgiven，andthenstruckinreturnasSirJameshadstruck——fullandtrue。ThebascinetthatBluntworeglancedtheblowpartly，butnotentirely。Mylesfelthisswordbitethroughthelightsteelcap，andBluntdroppedhisownbladeclatteringuponthefloor。Itwasalloverinaninstant，butinthatinstantwhathesawwasstampeduponMyles’smindwithanindelibleimprint。Hesawtheyoungmanstaggerbackward；hesawtheeyesrollupward；andaredstreakshootoutfromunderthecapandrundownacrossthecheek。
Bluntreeledhalfaround，andthenfellprostrateuponhisface；
andMylesstoodstaringathimwiththedeliriousturmoilofhisbattledissolvingrapidlyintoadumbfearatthatwhichhehaddone。
Onceagainhehadwonthevictory——butwhatavictory！\"Ishedead？\"hewhisperedtoGascoyne。
\"Iknownot，\"saidGascoyne，withaverypaleface。\"Butcomeaway，Myles。\"Andheledhisfriendoutoftheroom。
SomelittlewhilelateroneofthebachelorscametothedormitorywhereMyles，hiswoundssmartingandachingandthrobbing，laystretcheduponhiscot，andwithaveryseriousfacebadehimtogopresentlytoSirJames，whohadjustcomefromdinner，andwastheninhisoffice。
BythistimeMylesknewthathehadnotslainhisenemy，andhisheartwaslightinspiteofthecominginterview。TherewasnooneintheofficebutSirJamesandhimself，andMyles，withoutconcealinganything，told，pointbypoint，thewholetrouble。SirJamessatlookingsteadilyathimforawhileafterhehadended。
\"Never，\"saidhe，presently，\"didIknowanyoneofyesquires，inallthetimethatIhavebeenhere，gethimselfintosomanybroilsasthou，MylesFalworth。Belikethousoughttotakethislad’slife。\"
\"Nay，\"saidMyles，earnestly；\"Godforbid！\"
\"Ne’theless，\"saidSirJames，\"thoufetchedhimamainshrewdblow；anditisbygoodhap，andnofaultofthine，thathewilllivetodomoremischiefyet。Thisisthysecondventureathim；
thethirdtime，haply，thouwiltendhimforgood。\"Thensuddenlyassuminghisgrimmestandsternestmanner：\"Now，sirrah，doIputastoptothis，andnomoreshallyefightwithedgedtools。Gettheetothedormitory，andabidethereafullweekwithoutcomingforth。Michaelshallbringtheebreadandwatertwiceadayforthattime。Thatisallthefoodthoushalthave，andwewillseeifthatfarewillnotcoolthyhothumorswithal。\"
Myleshadexpectedapunishmentsomuchmoreseverethanthatwhichwasthusmetedtohim，thatinthesuddenreliefhebrokeintoaconvulsivelaugh，andthen，withahastysweep，wipedabrimmingmoisturefromhiseyes。
SirJameslookedkeenlyathimforamoment。\"Thouartwhitei’
theface，\"saidhe。\"Artthouwoundedverysorely？\"
\"Nay\"saidMyles，\"itisnotmuch；butIbesickinmystomach。\"
\"Aye，aye，\"saidSirJames；\"Iknowthatfeelingwell。Itisthusthatonealwaysfeelethincomingoutfromasorebattlewhenonehathsufferedwoundsandlostblood。Anthouwouldstkeepthyselfhale，keepthyselffromneedlessfighting。Nowgothoutothedormitory，and，asIsaid，comethounotforthagainforaweek。
Stay，sirrah！\"headded；\"IwillsendGeorgebarbertotheetolooktothysores。Greenwoundsarebestdrawnandsalvederetheygrowcold。\"
IwonderwhatMyleswouldhavethoughthadheknownthatsosoonashehadlefttheoffice，SirJameshadgonestraighttotheEarlandrecountedthewholemattertohim，withadealofdrygusto，andthattheEarllistenedlaughing。
\"Aye，\"saidhe，whenSirJameshaddone，\"theboyhathmettle，sure。Nevertheless，wemusttransplantthisfellowBlunttotheofficeofgentleman—in—waiting。Hemustbeoldenoughnow，andginhestayethinhispresentplace，eitherhewilldotheboyaharm，ortheboywilldohimaharm。\"
SoBluntnevercameagaintotroublethesquires’quarters；andthereaftertheyoungstersrenderednomoreservicetotheelders。
Myles’sfirstgreatfightinlifewaswon。
CHAPTER17
Thesummerpassedaway，andthebleakfallcame。Myleshadlongsinceacceptedhispositionasonesetapartfromtheothersofhiskind，andhadresignedhimselftotheevidentfactthathewasnevertoserveinthehouseholdinwaitingupontheEarl。I
cannotsaythatitnevertroubledhim，butintimetherecameacompensationofwhichIshallhavepresentlytospeak。
Andthenhehadsomuchthemoretimetohimself。Theotherladsweresometimesoccupiedbytheirhouseholddutieswhensportswereafootinwhichtheywouldlikedtohavetakenpart。Myleswasalwaysfreetoenterintoanymatterofthekindafterhisdailyexercisehadbeenperformedatthepels，thebutts，orthetilting—court。
Buteventhoughhewasnevercalledtodoservicein\"myLord’shouse，\"hewasnotlongingainingasortofsecond—handknowledgeofallthefamily。MyLady，athin，sallow，fadeddame，notyetpastmiddleage，butlookingtenyearsolder。TheLadyAnne，thedaughterofthehouse；atall，thin，dark—eyed，dark—haired，handsomeyoungdameoftwentyortwenty—oneyearsofage，hawk—nosedlikeherfather，andsilent，proud，andhaughty，Mylesheardthesquiressay。LadyAlice，theEarlofMackworth’snieceandward，agreatheiressinherownright，astrikinglyprettyblack—eyedgirloffourteenorfifteen。
ThesecomposedtheEarl’spersonalfamily；butbesidesthemwasLordGeorgeBeaumont，hisEarl’sbrother，andhimMylessooncametoknowbetterthananyofthechiefpeopleofthecastleexceptingSirJamesLee。
ForsinceMyles’sgreatbattleinthearmory，LordGeorgehadtakenalaughingsortoflikingtothelad，encouraginghimattimestotalkofhisadventures，andofhishopesandaspirations。
PerhapstheEarl’syoungerbrother——whowashimselfsomewhatasoldieroffortune，havingfoughtinSpain，France，andGermany——feltacertainkinshipinspiritwiththeadventurousyoungsterwhohadhisunfriendedwaytomakeintheworld。
Howeverthatmighthavebeen，LordGeorgewasverykindandfriendlytothelad，andthewillingservicethatMylesrenderedhimreconciledhimnotalittletotheEarl’sobviousneglect。
BesidestheseofthemoreimmediatefamilyoftheEarlwereanumberofknights，ladies，andgentlemen，someofthemcadets，someofthemretainers，ofthehouseofBeaumont，fortheprincelynoblesofthosedayslivedinstatelittlelessroyalthanroyaltyitself。
MostoftheknightsandgentlemenMylessooncametoknowbysight，meetingtheminLordGeorge’sapartmentsinthesouthwingofthegreathouse，andsomeofthem，followingtheleadofLordGeorge，singledhimoutforfriendlynotice，givinghimanodorawordinpassing。
Everyseasonhasitspleasuresforboys，andtheconstantchangethattheybringisoneofthegreatestdelightsofboyhood’sdays。
Allofus，aswegrowolder，haveinourmemorypicturesofby—gonetimesthataresomehowmorethanusuallyvivid，thecolorsofsomenotblurringbytimeasothersdo。Oneofwhich，inremembering，alwaysfilledMyles’sheartinafter—yearswithanindefinablepleasure，wastherecollectionofstandingwithothersofhisfellowsquiresinthecrispbrownautumngrassofthepaddock，andshootingwiththelong—bowatwildfowl，which，whentheeastwindwasstraining，flewlowoverheadtopitchtothelakeintheforbiddenprecinctsofthedeerparkbeyondthebrowofthehill。Morethanonceabraceortwoofthesewildfowl，shotintheirsouthwardflightbytheladsandcookedbyfat，good—naturedMotherJoan，gracedtherudemess—tableofthesquiresinthelonghall，andeventhetoughestandfishiestdrake，sothefruitoftheirskill，hadasavorthat，somehoworother，thedaintiestfarelackedinafter—years。
Thenfallpassedandwintercame，bleak，cold，anddreary——notwinterasweknowitnowadays，withwarmfiresandbrightlightstomakethelongnightssweetandcheerfulwithcomfort，butwinterwithallitsgrimnessandsternness。Inthegreatcoldstone—walledcastlesofthosedaystheonlyfireandalmosttheonlylightwerethosefromthehugeblazinglogsthatroaredandcrackledinthegreatopenstonefireplace，aroundwhichthefolksgathered，shelteringtheirfacesasbesttheycouldfromthescorchingheat，andcloakingtheirshouldersfromthebitingcold，foratthefartherendoftheroom，wheregiantshadowsswayedandbowedanddancedhugeandblackagainstthehighwalls，thewhitefrostglistenedinthemoonlightonthestonepavements，andthebreathwentuplikesmoke。
Inthosedayswerenobookstoread，butatthebestonlyrudestoriesandjests，recitedbysomestrollingmummerorminstreltothelisteningcircle，gatheredaroundtheblazeandwelcomingthecoarse，grossjests，andcoarser，grossersongswithroarsofboisterouslaughter。
Yetbleakanddrearyaswasthewinterinthosedays，andcoldandbitingaswasthefrostinthecheerless，windyhallsandcorridorsofthecastle，itwasnotwithoutitsjoystotheyounglads；forthen，asnow，boyscouldfindpleasureeveninslushyweather，whenthesoddensnowisfitfornothingbuttomakesnowballsof。
Thricethatbitterwinterthemoatwasfrozenover，andthelads，makingthemselvesskatesofmarrow—bones，whichtheyboughtfromthehallcookatagroatapair，wentskimmingoverthesmoothsurface，red—checkedandshouting，whilethecrowsandthejackdawslookeddownatthemfromthetopofthebleakgraywalls。
ThenatYule—tide，whichwassomewhatofarudesemblancetotheMerryChristmasseasonofourday，agreatfeastwasheldinthehall，andallthecastlefolkwerefedinthepresenceoftheEarlandtheCountess。Oxenandsheepwereroastedwhole；hugesuetpuddings，madeofbarleymealsweetenedwithhoneyandstuffedwithplums，wereboiledingreatcaldronsintheopencourtyard；wholebarrelsofaleandmalmseywerebroached，andallthefolk，gentleandsimple，werebiddentothefeast。
Afterwardstheminstrelsdancedandplayedarudeplay，andintheeveningamiracleshowwasperformedonaraisedplatforminthenorthhall。
Foraweekafterwardsthecastlewasfedupontheremainsofthegoodthingsleftfromthatgreatfeast，untileveryonegrewtoloathefinevictuals，andlongedforhonestbeefandmustardagain。
Thenatlastinthatconstantchangethewinterwasgone，andeventheladswhohadenjoyeditspassingweregladwhenthewindsblewwarmoncemore，andthegrassshowedgreeninsunnyplaces，andtheleaderofthewild—fowlblewhishorn，astheywhointhefallhadflowntothesouthflew，arrow—like，northwardagain；whenthebudsswelledandtheleavesburstforthoncemore，andcrocusesandthendaffodilsgleamedinthegreengrass，likesparksandflamesofgold。
Withthespringcametheout—doorsportsoftheseason；amongothersthatofball——forboyswereboys，andplayedatballeveninthosefarawaydays——agamecalledtrap—ball。EvenyetinsomepartsofEnglanditisplayedjustasitwasinMylesFalworth’sday，andenjoyedjustasMylesandhisfriendsenjoyedit。
Sonowthatthesunwaswarmandtheweatherpleasantthegameoftrap—ballwasinfullswingeveryafternoon，theplay—groundbeinganopenspacebetweenthewallthatsurroundedthecastlegroundsandthatoftheprivygarden——thepleasanceinwhichtheladiesoftheEarl’sfamilytooktheaireveryday，anduponwhichtheirapartmentsopened。
Nowonefinebreezyafternoon，whentheladswereshoutingandplayingatthis，thentheirfavoritegame，Myleshimselfwasatthetrapbarehandedandbarearmed。Thewindwasblowingfrombehindhim，and，aidedperhapsbyit，hehadalreadystruckthreeoffourballsnearlythewholelengthofthecourt——anunusualdistance——andseveraloftheladshadgonebackalmostasfarasthewalloftheprivygardentocatchanyballthatmightchancetoflyasfarasthat。ThenoncemoreMylesstruck，throwingallhisstrengthintotheblow。Theballshotupintotheair，andwhenitfell，itwastodropwithintheprivygarden。
Theshoutsoftheyoungplayerswereinstantlystilled，andGascoyne，whostoodnearestMyles，thrusthishandsintohisbelt，givingalongshrillwhistle。
\"Thistimethouhaststruckusallout，Myles，\"saidhe。\"Therebenomoreplayforusuntilwegetanotherball。\"
TheoutfielderscameslowlytroopinginuntiltheyhadgatheredinalittlecirclearoundMyles。
\"Icouldnothelpit，\"saidMyles，inanswertotheirgrumbling。
\"HowknewItheballwouldflysofar？ButifIha’losttheball，Icangetitagain。Iwillclimbthewallforit。\"
\"Thoushaltdonaughtofthekind，Myles，\"saidGascoyne，hastily。\"ThouartasmadasaMarchharetothinkofsuchaventure！Wouldstgetthyselfshotwithaboltbetwixttheribs，likepoorDicconCook？\"
Ofallplacesaboutthecastletheprivygardenwasperhapsthemostsacred。Itwasasmallplotofground，onlyafewrodslongandwide，andwaskeptabsolutelyprivatefortheuseoftheCountessandherfamily。OnlyalittlewhilebeforeMyleshadfirstcometoDevlen，oneofthecook’smenhadbeenfoundclimbingthewall，whereuponthesoldierwhosawhimshothimwithhiscrossbow。Thepoorfellowdroppedfromthewallintothegarden，andwhentheyfoundhim，hestillheldabunchofflowersinhishand，whichhehadperhapsbeengatheringforhissweetheart。
HadMylesseenhimcarriedonalittertotheinfirmaryasGascoyneandsomeoftheothershaddone，hemighthavethoughttwicebeforeventuringtoentertheladies’privategarden。Asitwas，heonlyshookhisstubbornhead，andsaidagain，\"Iwillclimbthewallandfetchit。\"
Nowatthelowerextremityofthecourt，andabouttwelveorfifteenfeetdistantfromthegardenwall，theregrewapear—tree，someofthebranchesofwhichoverhungintothegardenbeyond。So，firstmakingsurethatnoonewaslookingthatway，andbiddingtheotherskeepasharplookout，Mylesshinnedupthistree，andchoosingoneofthethickerlimbs，climbedoutuponitforsomelittledistance。Thenloweringhisbody，hehungatarm’s—length，thebranchbendingwithhisweight，andslowlylethimselfdownhandunderhand，untilatlasthehungdirectlyoverthetopofthewall，andperhapsafootaboveit。Belowhimhecouldseetheleafytopofanarborcoveredwithathickgrowthofclematis，andevenashehungtherehenoticedthebroadsmoothwalks，thegrassyterraceinfrontoftheCountess’sapartmentsinthedistance，thequaintflower—beds，theyew—treestrimmedintooddshapes，andeventhedeafoldgardenerworkingbare—armedinthesunlightataflower—bedinthefarcornerbythetool—house。
Thetopofthewallwaspointedlikeahouseroof，andimmediatelybelowhimwascoveredbyathickgrowthofgreenmoss，anditflashedthroughhismindashehungtherethatmaybeitwouldofferaveryslipperyfootholdforonedroppinguponthesteepslopesofthetop。Butitwastoolatetodrawbacknow。
Bracinghimselfforamoment，heloosedhisholduponthelimbabove。Thebranchflewbackwitharush，andhedropped，strivingtograsptheslopinganglewithhisfeet。Instantlythetreacherousslipperymossslidawayfrombeneathhim；hemadeavainclutchatthewall，hisfingersslidingoverthecoldstones，then，withasharpexclamation，downhepitchedbodilyintothegardenbeneath！Athousandthoughtsflewthroughhisbrainlikeacloudofflies，andthenaleafygreennessseemedtostrikeupagainsthim。Asplinteringcrashsoundedinhisearsasthelatticetopofthearborbrokeunderhim，andwithonefinalclutchattheemptyairhefellheavilyuponthegroundbeneath。
Heheardashrillscreamthatseemedtofindaninstantecho；
evenashefellhehadavisionoffacesandbrightcolors，andwhenhesatup，dazedandbewildered，hefoundhimselffacetofacewiththeLadyAnne，thedaughterofthehouse，andhercousin，theLadyAlice，whoclutchingoneanothertightly，stoodstaringathimwithwidescaredeyes。
CHAPTER18
Foralittletimetherewasapauseofdeepsilence，duringwhichtheflutteringleavescamedriftingdownfromthebrokenarborabove。
ItwastheLadyAnnewhofirstspoke。\"Whoartthou，andwhencecomestthou？\"saidshe，tremulously。
ThenMylesgatheredhimselfupsheepishly。\"MynameisMylesFalworth，\"saidhe，\"andIamoneofthesquiresofthebody。\"
\"Oh！aye！\"saidtheLadyAlice，suddenly。\"MethoughtIknewthyface。ArtthounottheyoungmanthatIhaveseeninLordGeorge’strain？\"
\"Yes，lady，\"saidMyles，wrappingandtwiningapieceofthebrokenvineinandoutamonghisfingers。\"LordGeorgehathoftenhadmeoflateabouthisperson。\"
\"Andwhatdostthoudohere，sirrah？\"saidLadyAnne，angrily。
\"Howdarestthoucomesointoourgarden？\"
\"ImeantnottocomeasIdid，\"saidMyles，clumsily，andwithafacehotandred。\"ButIslippedoverthetopofthewallandfellhastilyintothegarden。Truly，lady，Imeantyenoharmorfrightthereby。\"
Helookedsodrollyabashedashestoodbeforethem，withhisclothestornandsoiledfromthefall，hisfacered，andhiseyesdowncast，allthewhileindustriouslytwistingthepieceofclematisinandaroundhisfingers，thatLadyAnne’shalf—frightenedangercouldnotlast。Sheandhercousinexchangedglances，andsmiledatoneanother。
\"But，\"saidsheatlast，tryingtodrawherprettybrowstogetherintoafrown，\"tellme；whydidstthouseektoclimbthewall？\"
\"Icametoseekaball，\"saidMyles，\"whichIstruckoverhitherfromthecourtbeyond。\"
\"Andwouldstthoucomeintoourprivygardenfornobetterreasonthantofindaball？\"saidtheyounglady。
\"Nay，\"saidMyles；\"itwasnotsomuchtofindtheball，but，ingoodsooth，Ididtrulystrikeitharderthanneedbe，andso，ginIlosttheball，Icoulddonolessthancomeandfinditagain，elseoursportisdonefortheday。SoitwasIcamehither。\"
Thetwoyoungladieshadbynowrecoveredfromtheirfright。TheLadyAnneslylynudgedhercousinwithherelbow，andtheyoungercouldnotsuppressahalf—nervouslaugh。Mylesheardit，andfelthisfacegrowhotterandredderthanever。
\"Nay，\"saidLadyAnne，\"IdobelieveMasterGiles——\"
\"Mynamebe’stMyles，\"correctedMyles。
\"Verywell，then，MasterMyles，IsayIdobelievethatthoumeanestnoharmincominghither；ne’thelessitwasilloftheesotodo。Anmyfathershouldfindtheehere，hewouldhavetheeshrewdlypunishedforsuchtrespassing。Dostthounotknowthatnooneispermittedtoenterthisplace——no，notevenmyuncleGeorge？Onefellowwhocamehithertostealapplesoncehadhisearsshavenclosetohishead，andnotmorethanayearagooneofthecook’smenwhoclimbedthewallearlyonemorningwasshotbythewatchman。\"
\"Aye，\"saidMyles，\"Iknewofhimwhowasshot，anditdidgosomewhatagainstmystomachtoventure，knowingwhathadhappedtohim。Ne’theless，anIgatnottheball，howwerewetoplaymoreto—dayatthetrap？\"
\"Marry，thouartaboldfellow，Idobelieveme，\"saidtheyounglady，\"andsinthouhastcomeinthefaceofsuchperiltogetthyball，thoushaltnotgoawayempty。Whitherdidstthoustrikeit？\"
\"Overyonderbythecherry—tree，\"saidMyles，jerkinghisheadinthatdirection。\"AnImaygogetit，Iwilltroubleyenomore。\"
Ashespokehemadeamotiontoleavethem。
\"Stay！\"saidtheLadyAnne，hastily；\"remainwherethouart。Anthoucrosstheopen，someonemayhaplyseetheefromthehouse，andwillgivethealarm，andthouwiltbelost。Iwillgogetthyball。\"
AndsosheleftMylesandhercousin，crossingthelittleplotsofgrassandskirtingtherosebushestothecherry—tree。
WhenMylesfoundhimselfalonewithLadyAlice，heknewnotwheretolookorwhattodo，buttwistedthepieceofclematiswhichhestillheldinandoutmoreindustriouslythanever。
LadyAlicewatchedhimwithdancingeyesforalittlewhile。
\"Haplythouwiltspoilthatpoorvine，\"saidsheby—and—by，breakingthesilenceandlaughing，thenturningsuddenlyseriousagain。\"Didstthouhurtthyselfbythyfall？\"
\"Nay，\"saidMyles，lookingup，\"suchafallasthatwasnogreatmatter。ManyandmanyatimeIhavehadworse。\"
\"Hastthouso？\"saidtheLadyAlice。\"Thoudidstfrightmeparlously，andmycozlikewise。\"
Myleshesitatedforamoment，andthenblurtedout，\"ThereatI
grieve，fortheeIwouldnotfrightforalltheworld。\"
Theyoungladylaughedandblushed。\"Alltheworldisagreatmatter，\"saidshe。
\"Yea，\"saidhe，\"itisagreatmatter；butitisagreatermattertofrightthee，andsoIwouldnotdoitforthat，andmore。\"
Theyoungladylaughedagain，butshedidnotsayanythingfurther，andaspaceofsilencefellsolongthatby—and—bysheforcedherselftosay，\"Mycousinfindethnottheballpresently。\"
\"Nay，\"saidMyles，briefly，andthenagainneitherspoke，untilby—and—bytheLadyAnnecame，bringingtheball。Mylesfeltagreatsenseofreliefatthatcoming，andyetwassomehowsorry。
Thenhetooktheball，andknewenoughtobowhisacknowledgmentinamannerneitherillnorawkward。
\"Didstthouhurtthyself？\"askedLadyAnne。
\"Nay，\"saidMyles，givinghimselfashake；\"seestthounotIbewhole，limbandbone？Nay，Ihavehadshrewdlyworsefallsthanthat。OnceIfelloutofanoak—treedownbytheriveranduponaroot，andbethoughtmeIdidbreakaribormore。AndthenonetimewhenIwasaboyinCrosbey—Dale——thatwaswhereIlivedbeforeIcamehither——ldidcatchmeholdofthebladeofthewindmill，thinkingitwasmovingslowly，andthatIwouldhavearidei’th’air，andsowasliketohavehadafalltenthousandtimesworsethanthis。\"
\"Oh，tellusmoreofthat！\"saidtheLadyAnne，eagerly。\"Ididneverhearofsuchanadventureasthat。Come，coz，andsitdownhereuponthebench，andletushavehimtellusallofthathappening。\"
Nowtheladsupontheothersideofthewallhadbeenwhistlingfurtivelyforsometime，notknowingwhetherMyleshadbrokenhisneckorhadcomeoffscot—freefromhisfall。\"Iwouldlikerightwelltostaywithye，\"saidhe，irresolutely，\"andwouldgladlytellyethatandmoreanyewouldhavemetodoso；buthearyenotmyfriendscallmefrombeyond？MayhaptheythinkIbreakmyback，andarecallingtoseewhetherIbealiveorno。AnImightwhistlethemanswerandtossmethisballtothem，allwouldthenbewell，andtheywouldknowthatIwasnothurt，andso，haply，wouldgoaway。\"
\"Thenanswerthem，\"saidtheLadyAnne，\"andtellusofthatthingthouspokestofanon——howthoutookestarideuponthewindmill。Weyoungladiesdohearlittleofsuchmatters，notbeingallowedtotalkwithlads。Allthatwehearofperilsareofknightsandladiesandjousting，andsuchlike。Itwouldpleasureusrightwelltohavetheetellofthyadventures。\"
SoMylestossedbacktheball，andwhistledinanswertohisfriends。
Thenhetoldthetwoyoungladiesnotonlyofhisadventureuponthewindmill，butalsoofotherboyishescapades，andtoldthemwell，withastraightforwardsmackandvigor，forheenjoyedadventureandlovedtotalkofit。Inalittlewhilehehadregainedhisease；hisshynessandawkwardnesslefthim，andnothingremainedbutthedelightfulfactthathewasreallyandactuallytalkingtotwoyoungladies，andthatwithjustasmucheaseandinfinitelymorepleasurethancouldbehadindiscoursewithhisfellow—squires。Butatlastitwastimeforhimtogo。
\"Marry，\"saidhe，withahalf—sigh，\"methinksIdidneverha’sosweetandpleasantatimeinallmylifebefore。NeverdidIknowarealladytotalkwith，savingonlymymother，andIdotellyeplainmethinksIwouldrathertalkwithyethanwithanyheinChristendom——saving，perhaps，onlymyfriendGascoyne。IwouldI
mightcomehitheragain。\"
Thehonestfranknessofhisspeechwasirresistible；thetwogirlsexchangedglancesandthenbeganlaughing。\"Truly，\"saidLadyAnne，who，aswassaidbefore，wassomethreeorfouryearsolderthanMyles，\"thouartaboldladtoasksuchathing。Howwouldstthoucomehither？Wouldsttumblethroughourclematisarboragain，asthoudidstthisday？\"
\"Nay，\"saidMyles，\"Iwouldnotdothatagain，butifyewillbidmedoso，Iwillfindthemeanstocomehither。\"
\"Nay，\"saidLadyAnne，\"Idarenotbidtheedosuchafoolhardything。Nevertheless，ifthouhastthecouragetocome——\"
\"Yea，\"saidMyles，eagerly，\"Ihavethecourage。\"
\"Then，ifthouhastso，wewillbehereinthegardenonSaturdaynextatthishour。Iwouldlikerightwelltohearmoreofthyadventures。Butwhatdidstthousaywasthyname？Ihaveforgotitagain。\"
\"ItisMylesFalworth。\"
\"ThenweshallycleptheeSirMyles，forthouartasoothlyerrant—knight。Andstay！Everyknightmusthavealadytoserve。
HowwouldstthoulikemyCousinAlicehereforthytruelady？\"
\"Aye，\"saidMyles，eagerly，\"Iwouldlikeitrightwell。\"Andthenheblushedfieryredathisboldness。
\"Iwantnoerrant—knighttoserveme，\"saidtheLadyAlice，blushing，inanswer。\"Thoudostillteaseme，coz！Anthouartsofreeinchoosinghimaladytoserve，thoumaystchoosehimthyselfforthypains。\"
\"Nay，\"saidtheLadyAnne，laughing；\"Isaythoushaltbehistruelady，andheshallbethytrueknight。Whoknows？Perchancehemayserventheeinsomewondrousadventure，likeasChaucertellethof。Butnow，SirErrant—Knight，thoumusttakethyleaveofus，andImuste’enlettheeprivilyoutbythepostern—wicket。Andifthouwilttaketheriskupontheeandcomehitheragain，pritheebewaryinthatcoming，lestinventuringthouhavethineearsclippedinmostunknightlyfashion。\"
Thatevening，asheandGascoynesattogetheronabenchunderthetreesinthegreatquadrangle，Mylestoldofhisadventureoftheafternoon，andhisfriendlistenedwithbreathlessinterest。
\"But，Myles，\"criedGascoyne，\"didtheLadyAnneneveronceseemproudandunkind？\"
\"Nay，\"saidMyles；\"onlyatfirst，whenshechidmeforfallingthroughtheroofoftheirarbor。Andtothink，Francis！LadyAnneherselfbademeholdtheLadyAliceasmytruelady，andtoserveherinallknightliness！\"ThenhetoldhisfriendthathewasgoingtotheprivygardenagainonthenextSaturday，andthattheLadyAnnehadgivenhimpermissionsotodo。
Gascoynegavealong，wonderingwhistle，andthensatquitestill，staringintothesky。By—and—byheturnedtohisfriendandsaid，\"Igivetheemypledge，MylesFalworth，thatneverinallmylifedidIhearofanyonethathadsuchmarvellousstrangehappeningsbefallhimasthou。\"
WhenevertheopportunityoccurredforsendingalettertoCrosbey—Holt，Myleswroteonetohismother；andonecanguesshowtheyweretreasuredbythegoodlady，andreadoverandoveragaintotheblindoldLordashesatstaringintodarknesswithhissightlesseyes。
Aboutthetimeofthisescapadehewrotealettertellingofthosedoings，wherein，afterspeakingofhismisadventureoffallingfromthewall，andofhisacquaintancewiththeyoungladies，hewentontospeakofthematterinwhichherepeatedhisvisits。TheletterwaswordedintheEnglishofthatday——thequaintandcrabbedlanguageinwhichChaucerwrote。Perhapsfewboyscouldreaditnowadays，so，modernizingitsomewhat，itranthus：
\"AndnowtoletyeweetthatthingthatfollowedthathappeningthatmademeacquaintwiththeytwoyoungDamoiselles。Itakemetothesouthwallofthatgardenonedayfourandtwentygreatspikes，whichPeterSmithdidforgeformeandforwhichIpayhimfivepence，andthatallthemoneythatIhadleftofmyhalf—year’swage，andwotnotwhereImaygetmoreatthesepresent，withoutenIdobetakemetoSirJames，who，asIdidtellye，hathconsentedtoholdthosemoneysthatPriorEdwardgavemetillIneedthem。
\"Nowthesesamespikes，Isay，Itakemethemdownbehindthecornerofthewall，andtheredravethembetwixtthestones，myverydearcomradeandtruefriendGascoyneholpingmetheretotodo。AndsocomeSaturday，Iclimbmeoverthewallandtotheroofofthetool—housebelow，seekingafittingopportunitywhenImightsodowithoutbeingintoogreatjeopardy。
\"Yea；andwhoshouldbetherebuttheytwoladies，bidingmycoming，who，seeingme，madeasthoughtheyhadexpectedmenot，andgavemegreatestrebukeforadventuringsomoughtily。Yet，methinks，weretheyrightwellpleasuredthatIshouldsoaventure，whichindeedImightnototherwisedo，seeingasIhavetelledtothee，thatoneofthemismineowntrueladyfortoserven，andsowastheonlywaythatImightcometospeechwithher。\"
SuchwasMyles’sownquaintwayoftellinghowheaccomplishedhisaimofvisitingtheforbiddengarden，andnodoubtthesmackofadventureandthesavorofdangerintheundertakingrecommendedhimnotalittletothefavoroftheyoungladies。
Afterthisfirstacquaintanceperhapsamonthpassed，duringwhichMyleshadclimbedthewallsomehalfadozentimes（fortheLadyAnnewouldnotpermitoftoofrequentvisits），andduringwhichthefirstacquaintanceofthethreeripenedrapidlytoanhonest，pleasantfriendship。MorethanonceMyles，wheninLordGeorge’strain，caughtacovertsmileorhalfnodfromoneorbothofthegirls，notalittledelightfulinitsverysecretfriendliness。
CHAPTER19
AswaSsaid，perhapsamonthpassed；thenMyles’svisitscametoanabrupttermination，andwithitended，inacertainsense，achapterofhislife。
OneSaturdayafternoonheclimbedthegardenwall，andskirtingbehindalongrowofrosebushesthatscreenedhimfromtheCountess’sterrace，cametoalittlesummer—housewherethetwoyoungladieshadappointedtomeethimthatday。
Apleasanthalf—hourorsowaspassed，andthenitwastimeforMylestogo。Helingeredforawhilebeforehetookhisfinalleave，leaningagainstthedoor—post，andlaughinglytellinghowheandsomeofhisbrothersquireshadmadeafigureofstrawdressedinmen’sclothes，andhadplayedatrickwithitonenightuponawatchmanagainstwhomtheyboreagrudge。
Theyoungladieswerelisteningwithlaughingfaces，whensuddenly，asMyleslooked，hesawthesmilevanishfromLadyAlice’seyesandawideterrortakeitsplace。Shegaveahalf—articulatecry，androseabruptlyfromthebenchuponwhichshewassitting。
Mylesturnedsharply，andthenhisveryheartseemedtostandstillwithinhim；forthere，standinginthebroadsunlightwithout，andglaringinuponthepartywithbalefuleyes，wastheEarlofMackworthhimself。
Howlongwasthebreathlesssilencethatfollowed，Mylescouldnevertell。HeknewthattheLadyAnnehadalsorisen，andthatsheandhercousinwerestandingasstillasstatues。PresentlytheEarlpointedtothehousewithhisstaff，andMylesnotedstupidlyhowittrembledinhishand。
\"Yewenches，\"saidheatlast，inahard，harshvoice——\"yewenches，whatmeaneththis？Wouldyedeceivemeso，andholdparlancethussecretlywiththisfellow？Iwillsettlewithhimanon。Meantimegetyestraightwaytothehouseandtoyourrooms，andthereabideuntilIgiveyeleavetocomeforthagain。Go，I
say！\"
\"Father，\"saidLadyAnne，inabreathlessvoice——shewasaswhiteasdeath，andmoistenedherlipswithhertonguebeforeshespoke——\"father，thouwiltnotdoharmtothisyoungman。Sparehim，Idobeseechthee，fortrulyitwasIwhobadehimcomehither。Iknowthathewouldnothavecomebutatourbidding。\"
TheEarlstampedhisfootuponthegravel。\"Didyenothearme？\"
saidhe，stillpointingtowardsthehousewithhistremblingstaff。\"Ibadeyegotoyourrooms。Iwillsettlewiththisfellow，Isay，asIdeemfitting。\"
\"Father，\"beganLadyAnneagain；buttheEarlmadesuchasavagegesturethatpoorLadyAliceutteredafaintshriek，andLadyAnnestoppedabruptly，trembling。Thensheturnedandpassedoutthefartherdoorofthesummerhouse，poorlittleLadyAlicefollowing，holdinghertightbytheskirts，andtremblingandshudderingasthoughwithafitoftheague。
TheEarlstoodlookinggrimlyafterthemfromunderhisshaggyeyebrows，untiltheypassedawaybehindtheyew—trees，appearedagainupontheterracebehind，enteredtheopendoorsofthewomen’shouse，andweregone。Mylesheardtheirfootstepsgrowingfainterandfainter，butheneverraisedhiseyes。Uponthegroundathisfeetwerefourpebbles，andhenoticedhowtheyalmostmadeasquare，andwoulddosoifhepushedoneofthemwithhistoe，andthenitseemedstrangetohimthatheshouldthinkofsuchalittlefoolishthingatthatdreadfultime。
HeknewthattheEarlwaslookinggloomilyathim，andthathisfacemustbeverypale。SuddenlyLordMackworthspoke。\"Whathastthoutosay？\"saidhe，harshly。
ThenMylesraisedhiseyes，andtheEarlsmiledgrimlyashelookedhisvictimover。\"Ihavenaughttosay，\"saidthelad，huskily。
\"Didstthounothearwhatmydaughterspakebutnow？\"saidtheEarl。\"Shesaidthatthoucamenotofthyownfree—will；whatsaystthoutothat，sirrah——isittrue？\"
Myleshesitatedforamomentortwo；histhroatwastightanddry。\"Nay，\"saidheatlast，\"shebeliethherself。ItwasIwhofirstcameintothegarden。Ifellbychancefromthetreeyonder——Iwasseekingaball——thenIaskedthosetwoifImightnotcomehitheragain，andsohavedonesomeseveraltimesinall。Butasforher——nay；itwasnotatherbiddingthatIcame，butthroughmineownasking。\"
TheEarlgavealittlegruntinhisthroat。\"Andhowoftenhastthoubeenhere？\"saidhe，presently。
Mylesthoughtamomentortwo。\"Thismakeththeseventhtime，\"
saidhe。
Anotherpauseofsilencefollowed，andMylesbegantopluckupsomeheartthatmaybeallwouldyetbewell。TheEarl’snextspeechdashedthathopeintoathousandfragments。\"Wellthouknowest，\"saidhe，\"thatitisforbidforanytocomehere。Wellthouknowestthattwicehavemenbeenpunishedforthisthingthatthouhastdone，andyetthoucamestinspiteofall。Nowdostthouknowwhatthouwiltsuffer？\"
Mylespickedwithnervousfingersatacrackintheoakenpostagainstwhichheleaned。\"Mayhapthouwiltkillme，\"saidheatlast，inadull，chokingvoice。
AgaintheEarlsmiledagrimsmile。\"Nay，\"saidhe，\"Iwouldnotslaythee，forthouhastgentleblood。ButwhatsayestthoushouldIshearthineearsfromthinehead，orperchancehavetheescourgedinthegreatcourt？\"
ThestingofthewordssentthebloodflyingbacktoMyles’sfaceagain，andhelookedquicklyup。\"Nay，\"saidhe，withaboldnessthatsurprisedhimself；\"thoushaltdonosuchunlordlythinguponmeasthat。Ibethypeer，sir，inblood；andthoughthoumaystkillme，thouhastnorighttoshameme。\"
LordMackworthbowedwithamockingcourtesy。\"Marry！\"saidhe。
\"MethoughtitwasoneofmineownsaucypopinjaysquiresthatI
caughtsneakinghereandtalkingtothosetwofoolishyounglasses，andlo！itisayoungLord——ormayhapthouartayoungPrince——andcommandethmethatIshallnotdothisandIshallnotdothat。IcraveyourLordship’shonorablepardon，ifIhavesaidaughtthatmayhavegalledyou。\"
ThefearMyleshadfeltwasnowbeginningtodissolveinrisingwrath。\"Nay，\"saidhe，stoutly，\"IbenoLordandIbenoPrince，butIbeasgoodasthou。ForamInotthesonofthyonetimeverytruecomradeandthykinsman——towit，theLordFalworth，whom，asthouknowest，ispoorandbroken，andblind，andhelpless，andoutlawed，andbanned？Yet，\"criedhe，grindinghisteeth，asthethoughtofitallrushedinuponhim，\"Iwouldratherbeinhisplacethaninyours；forthoughheberuined，you——\"
Hehadjustsenseenoughtostopthere。
TheEarl，grippinghisstaffbehindhisback，andwithhisheadalittlebent，waslookingkeenlyattheladfromunderhisshaggygraybrows。\"Well，\"saidhe，asMylesstopped，\"thouhastgonetoofarnowtodrawback。Saythysaytotheend。Whywouldstthouratherbeinthyfather’ssteadthaninmine？\"
Mylesdidnotanswer。
\"Thoushaltfinishthyspeech，orelseshowthyselfacoward。
Thoughthyfatherisruined，thoudidstsayIam——what？\"
Myleskeyedhimselfuptotheeffort，andthenblurtedout，\"Thouartattaintedwithshame。\"
Alongbreathlesssilencefollowed。
\"MylesFalworth，\"saidtheEarlatlast（andeveninthewhirlingofhiswitsMyleswonderedthathehadthenamesopat）——\"MylesFalworth，ofallthebold，mad，hare—brainedfools，thouartthemostfoolish。Howdostthoudaresaysuchwordstome？Dostthounotknowthatthoumakestthycomingpunishmenttentimesmorebitterbysuchaspeech？\"
\"Aye！\"criedMyles，desperately；\"butwhatelsecouldIdo？AnI
didnotsaythewords，thoucallestmecoward，andcowardIamnot。\"
\"By’rLady！\"saidtheEarl，\"Idobelievethee。Thouartabold，impudentvarletaseverlived——tobeardmeso，forsooth！Hark’ee；
thousaystIthinknaughtofmineoldcomrade。Iwillshowtheethatthoudostbelieme。Iwillsufferwhatthouhastsaidtomeforhissake，andforhissakewillforgivetheethycominghither——whichIwouldnotdoinanothercasetoanyotherman。
Nowgettheegonestraightway，andcomehithernomore。Yonderisthepostern—gate；mayhapthouknowesttheway。Butstay！Howcamestthouhither？\"
Mylestoldhimofthespikeshehaddriveninthewall，andtheEarllistened，strokinghisbeard。Whentheladhadended，hefixedasharplookuponhim。\"Butthoudrovenotthosespikesalone，\"saidhe；\"whohelpedtheedoit？\"
\"ThatImaynottell，\"saidMyles，firmly。
\"Sobeit，\"saidtheEarl。\"Iwillnotasktheetotellhisname。
Nowgettheegone！Andasforthosespikes，thoumayste’enknockthemoutofthewall，sinthoudravethemin。Playnomorepranksanthouwouldstkeepthyskinwhole。Andnowgo，Isay！\"
Mylesneedednofurtherbidding，butturnedandlefttheEarlwithoutanotherword。Ashewentoutthepostern—gatehelookedoverhisshoulder，andsawthetallfigure，initslongfur—trimmedgown，stillstandinginthemiddleofthepath，lookingafterhimfromundertheshaggyeyebrows。
Asheranacrossthequadrangle，hisheartstillflutteringinhisbreast，hemutteredtohimself，\"Theoldgrizzle—beard；anI
hadnotfacedhimaboldfront，mayhaphewouldhaveputsuchshameuponmeashesaid。IwonderwhyhestoodsostaringaftermeasIleftthegarden。\"
Thenforthetimethematterslippedfromhismind，savingonlythatpartthatsmackedofadventure。
CHAPTER20
SoforalittlewhileMyleswasdisposedtocongratulatehimselfuponhavingcomeoffsowellfromhisadventurewiththeEarl。
Butafteradayortwohadpassed，andhehadtimeforsecondthought，hebegantomisdoubtwhether，afterall，hemightnothavecarrieditwithabetterairifhehadshownmorechivalrousboldnessinthepresenceofhistruelady；whetheritwouldnothaveredoundedmoretohiscreditifhehadinsomewayassertedhisrightsastheyoungdame’sknight—errantanddefender。WasitnotignominioustoresignhisrightsandprivilegessoeasilyandtamelyatasignalfromtheEarl？
\"For，insooth，\"saidhetoGascoyne，asthetwotalkedthematterover，\"shehath，inacertainway，acceptedmeforherknight，andyetIstoodmetherewithoutsayingsomuchasonesinglewordinherbehalf。\"
\"Nay，\"saidGascoyne，\"Iwouldnottroublemeonthatscore。
Methinksthatthoudidstcomeoffwondrouswelloutofthebusiness。IwouldnothavethoughtitpossiblethatmyLordcouldha’beensopatientwiththeeasheshowedhimself。Methinks，forsooth，hemustholdtheeprivilyinrighthighesteem。\"
\"Truly，\"saidMyles，afteralittlepauseofmeditativesilence，\"Iknownotofanyesteem，yetIdothinkhewaspassingpatientwithmeinthismatter。Butne’theless，Francis，thatchangethnotmystandinthecase。Yea，Ididshamefully，sotoresignmyladywithoutspeakingoneword；norwillIsoresignherevenyet。Ihavebethoughtmemuchofthismatteroflate，Francis，andnowIcometotheetohelpmefrommyevilcase。Iwouldhavetheeactthepartofatruefriendtome——likethatoneIhavetoldtheeofinthestoryoftheEmperorJustinian。Iwouldhavethee，whennextthouservestinthehouse，tosocontrivethatmyLadyAliceshallgetaletterwhichIshallpresentlywrite，andwhereinImaysetallthatiscrookedstraightagain。\"
\"Heavenforbid，\"saidGascoyne，hastily，\"thatIshouldbesuchafoolastoburnmyfingersindrawingthynutsfromthefire！
Deliverthyletterthyself，goodfellow！\"
SospokeGascoyne，yetafterallheended，asheusuallydid，byyieldingtoMyles’ssuperiorwillandpersistence。Sotheletterwaswrittenandonedaythegood—naturedGascoynecarrieditwithhimtothehouse，andtheopportunityoffering，gaveittooneoftheyoungladiesattendantupontheCountess’sfamily——alasswithwhomhehadfriendlyintimacy——tobedeliveredtoLadyAlice。
ButifMylescongratulatedhimselfuponthesuccessofthisnewadventure，itwasnotforlong。Thatnight，asthecrowdofpagesandsquiresweremakingthemselvesreadyforbed，thecallcamethroughtheuproarfor\"MylesFalworth！MylesFalworth！\"
\"HereIbe，\"criedMyles，standinguponhiscot。\"Whocallethme？\"
ItwasthegroomoftheEarl’sbedchamber，andseeingMylesstandingthusraisedabovetheothers，hecamewalkingdownthelengthoftheroomtowardshim，thewontedhubbubgraduallysilencingasheadvancedandtheyoungstersturning，staring，andwondering。
\"MyLordwouldspeakwiththee，MylesFalworth，\"saidthegroom，whenhehadcomecloseenoughtowhereMylesstood。\"Busktheeandmakeready；heisatliveryevennow。\"
Thegroom’swordsfelluponMyleslikeablow。Hestoodforawhilestaringwide—eyed。\"MyLordspeakwithme，saystthou！\"heejaculatedatlast。
\"Aye，\"saidtheother，impatiently；\"gettheereadyquickly。I
mustreturnanon。\"
Myles’sheadwasinawhirlashehastilychangedhisclothesforabettersuit，Gascoynehelpinghim。WhatcouldtheEarlwantwithhimatthishour？Heknewinhisheartwhatitwas；theinterviewcouldconcernnothingbuttheletterthathehadsenttoLadyAlicethatday。Ashefollowedthegroomthroughthenowdarkandsilentcourts，andacrossthecornerofthegreatquadrangle，andsototheEarl’shouse，hetriedtobracehisfailingcouragetomeetthecominginterview。Nevertheless，hisheartbeattumultuouslyashefollowedtheotherdownthelongcorridor，litonlybyaflaringlinksetinawrought—ironbracket。Thenhisconductorliftedthearrasatthedoorofthebedchamber，whencecamethemurmuringsoundofmanyvoices，andholdingitaside，beckonedhimtoenter，andMylespassedwithin。
Atthefirst，hewasconsciousofnothingbutacrowdofpeople，andofthebrightnessofmanylightedcandles；thenhesawthathestoodinagreatairyroomspreadwithawovenmatofrushes。
Onthreesidesthewallswerehungwithtapestryrepresentinghuntingandbattlescenes，atthefartherend，wherethebedstood，thestonewallofthefourthsidewascoveredwithclothofblue，embroideredwithsilvergoshawks。Evennow，intheripespringtimeofMay，theroomwasstillchilly，andagreatfireroaredandcrackledinthehugegapingmouthofthestonefireplace。Notfarfromtheblazewereclusteredthegreaterpartofthosepresent，buzzingintalk，nowandthenswelledbymurmuringlaughter。SomeofthosewhoknewMylesnoddedtohim，andtwoorthreespoketohimashestoodwaiting，whilstthegroomwentforwardtospeaktotheEarl；thoughwhattheysaidandwhatheanswered，Myles，inhisbewildermentandtrepidation，hardlyknew。
Aswassaidbefore，theliverywasthelastmealoftheday，andwastakeninbed。Itwasasimplerepast——amanchette，orsmallloafofbreadofpurewhiteflour，aloafofhouseholdbread，sometimesalumpofcheese，andeitheragreatflagonofaleorofsweetwine，warmandspiced。TheEarlwassittinguprightinbed，dressedinafurreddressing—gown，andproppedupbytwocylindricalbolstersofcrimsonsatin。Uponthecoverlet，andspreadoverhisknees，wasalargewidenapkinoflinenfringedwithsilverthread，andonitrestedasilvertraycontainingthebreadandsomecheese。Twopagesandthreegentlemenwerewaitinguponhim，andMadNoll，thejester，stoodattheheadofthebed，nowandthenjinglinghisbawbleandpassingsomequaintjestuponthechanceofmakinghismastersmile。Uponatablenearbyweresomedozenorsowaxentapersstruckuponasmanyspikedcandlesticksofsilver—gilt，andilluminatingthatendoftheroomwiththeirbrighttwinklingflames。OneofthegentlemenwasintheactofservingtheEarlwithagobletofwine，pouredfromasilverewerbyoneofthesquires，asthegroomofthechambercameforwardandspoke。TheEarl，takingthegoblet，turnedhishead，andasMyleslooked，theireyesmet。ThentheEarlturnedawayagainandraisedthecuptohislips，whileMylesfelthisheartbeatmorerapidlythanever。
Butatlastthemealwasended，andtheEarlwashedhishandsandhismouthandhisbeardfromasilverbasinofscentedwaterheldbyanotheroneofthesquires。Then，leaningbackagainstthepillows，hebeckonedtoMyles。
InanswerMyleswalkedforwardthelengthoftheroom，consciousthatalleyeswerefixeduponhim。TheEarlsaidsomething，andthosewhostoodneardrewbackashecameforward。ThenMylesfoundhimselfstandingbesidethebed，lookingdownuponthequiltedcounterpane，feelingthattheotherwasgazingfixedlyathim。
\"Isentforthee，\"saidtheEarlatlast，stilllookingsteadilyathim，\"becausethisafternooncamealettertomyhandwhichthouhadstwrittentomyniece，theLadyAlice。Ihaveithere，\"
saidhe，thrustinghishandunderthebolster，\"andhavejustnowfinishedreadingit。\"Then，afteramoment’spause，whilstheopenedtheparchmentandscanneditagain，\"Ifindnomatterofharminit，buthereafterwritenomoresuch。\"Hespokeentirelywithoutanger，andMyleslookedupinwonder。\"Here，takeit，\"
saidtheEarl，foldingtheletterandtossingittoMyles，whoinstinctivelycaughtit，\"andhenceforthtroublethoumyniecenomoreeitherbyletteroranyotherway。Ithoughthaplythouwouldstbeatsomesuchsaucytrick，andImadeAlicepromisetoletmeknowwhenithapped。Now，Isay，letthisbeanendofthematter。Dostthounotknowthoumaystinjureherbysuchwitlessfollyasthatofmeetingherprivily，andprivilywritingtoher？\"
\"Imeantnoharm，\"saidMyles。
\"Ibelievethee，\"saidtheEarl。\"Thatwilldonow；thoumaystgo。\"
Myleshesitated。
\"Whatwouldstthousay？\"saidLordMackworth。
\"Onlythis，\"saidMyles，\"anIhavethyleavesotodo，thattheLadyAlicehathchosenmetobeherknight，andso，whetherImayseeherorspeakwithherorno，thelawsofchivalrygiveme，whoamgentleborn，therighttoserveherasatrueknightmay。\"
\"Asatruefoolmay，\"saidtheEarl，dryly。\"Why，hownow，thouartnotaknightyet，noranythingbutarawlumpofaboy。Whatrightsdothelawsofchivalrygivethee，sirrah？Thouartafool！\"
HadtheEarlbeeneversoangry，hiswordswouldhavebeenlessbittertoMylesthanhiscool，unmovedpatience；itmortifiedhisprideandgalledittothequick。
\"Iknowthatthoudostholdmeincontempt，\"hemumbled。
\"Outuponthee！\"saidtheEarl，testily。\"Thoudostteasemebeyondpatience。Iholdtheeincontempt，forsooth！Why，lookthee，hadstthoubeenotherthanthouart，Iwouldhavehadtheewhippedoutofmyhouselongsince。ThinkestthouIwouldhavebornesopatientlywithanotheroneofyesquireshadsuchanoneheldsecretmeetingwithmydaughterandniece，andtampered，asthouhastdone，withmyhousehold，sendingthroughoneofmypeoplethatletter？Goto；thouartafool，MylesFalworth！\"
MylesstoodstaringattheEarlwithoutmakinganefforttospeak。Thewordsthathehadheardsuddenlyflashed，asitwere，anewlightintohismind。Inthatflashhefullyrecognized，andforthefirsttime，thestrangeandwonderfulforbearancethegreatEarlhadshowntohim，apoorobscureboy。Whatdiditmean？WasLordMackworthhissecretfriend，afterall，asGascoynehadmorethanonceasserted？SoMylesstoodsilent，thinkingmanythings。
Meantimetheotherlaybackuponthecylindricalbolsters，lookingthoughtfullyathim。\"Howoldartthou？\"saidheatlast。
\"SeventeenlastApril，\"answeredMyles。