" But are we to go
alone, or is there no lord or lady in the castle who would take
pleasure to see a piece of game gallantly struck? I am not afraid
to show these hawks to a countess."

" My lady used to love the sport well enough," said Raoul ; " but
I wot not why, she is moped and mazed ever since her father's death,
and lives in her fair castle like a nun in a cloister, without disport
or revelry of any kind.— Nevertheless, Gillian, thou c^anst do some-
thing with her— good now, do a kind deed for once, and move her
to come out and look on this morning's sport — The poor heart hath
seen no pastime this summer."



THE BETROTHED. 207

" That I will do," quoth Gillian ; and, moreover, I will show her
such a new riding-tire for the head, that no woman born could ever
look at without the wish to toss it a little in the wind."

As Gillian spoke, it appeared to her jealous-pated husband that
he surprised a glance of more intelligence exchanged betwixt her
and the trader than brief acquaintance seem to warrant, even when
allowance was made for the extreme frankness^ of Dame Gillian's
disposition. He thought also, that, on looking more closely at the
merchant, his lineaments were not totally unknown to him ; and
proceeded to say to him dryly, " We have met before, friend, but
I cannot call to remembrance where.''

" Like enough," said the merchant ; " I have used this country
often, and may have taken money of you in the way of trade. If
I were in fitting place, I would gladly bestow a pottle of wine to
our better acquaintance."

" Not so fast, friend," said the old huntsman ; " ere I drink to
better acquaintance with any one, I must be well pleased with
what I already know of him. We will see thy hawks fly, and if
their breeding match thy bragging, we may perhaps crush a cup
together. 