He ran his eye over the crowd of ladies in the royal gallery, and soon saw the object of his search.
"Since I have your majesty's permission," he said, "I choose, as queen of the tournament, Mistress Edith Vernon." There was a movement of surprise and a general smile.

Perhaps to all who thought that they had a chance of being chosen the selection was a relief, as none could be jealous of the pretty child, who, at the king's order, made her way forward to the front, and took her seat in a chair placed between the king and queen.

The girl coloured brightly; but she had heard so much of tourneys and jousts that she knew what was her duty.

She had been sitting far back on the previous day, and the apprentice, when brought up before the king, was too far below for her to see his features.

She now recognized him.
"Sir Knights," she said in a loud, clear, childish voice, "you will both do your duty today and show yourselves worthy cavaliers.