And you must remember that we are secular knights, as well knights of the Order." "The work of the Order is quite sufficient for me at present, Ralph.

In time I may come to like the society of women, to admire their beauty, and possibly even to wear the colour of some one, for that seems to be the fashion; though why we, who are bound to celibacy, should admire one woman more than another I cannot understand." They had by this time descended from the castle, and were taking their way along one of the broad paths that led over the flat roofs of the houses by means of the bridges thrown across the streets.
"These are some acquaintances of mine," Ralph said, stopping at one of the walls, some three feet high, that bordered the path.
Beyond was an enclosure of some fifty feet square.

Clumps of shrubs and flowers, surrounded by stonework some eight or ten inches high enclosing the earth in which they grew, were scattered here and there.

Lamps were hung to cords stretched above it, while others were arranged among the flowers.

In the centre a large carpet was spread, and on this some eight or ten persons were seated on cushions.