Now the tables are turned, and I quite look up to him." "You will believe as much as you like, Signora, of what Sir Ralph says," Gervaise laughed.

"As you have, he says, known him for some time, you must by this time have learnt that his word is not to be taken literally." "We learned that quite early in our acquaintance," the girl who had first noticed them said, with an affectation of gravity.

"I always tell him that I cannot believe anything he says, and I am grateful to you, Sir Knight, for having thus borne evidence to the quickness of my perception." By this time the servants had brought some more cushions, and on these Ralph and Gervaise seated themselves.

Wine, sherbet, and cakes, were then handed round.

The master of the house placed Gervaise on his right hand, as a stranger.
"You have been among our islands, Sir Gervaise?
But indeed, I need not ask that, since I know that you and Sir Ralph were knighted together for your valour in that affair with the ships of Hassan Ali.