She quite came out of her usual silence, and laughed, and looked so divinely attractive that the splendid old gentleman felt it all going to his head; and his thoughts wondered bluntly, how soon, if he were his nephew, he would take her away after dinner and make love to her all to himself! But these modern young fellows had not half the mettle that he had had! So at last dessert-time came, with its toasts for the _Queen Guinevere_.
And the bridal pair had spoken together never a word; and Lady Anningford, who was watching them, began to fear for the success of her plan.

However, there was no use turning back now.

So, amidst jests of all sorts in keeping with the spirit of Camelot and the Table Round, at last _Brangaine_ rose and, taking the gold cup in front of her, said, "I, _Brangaine_, commissioned by her Lady Mother, to conduct the _Lady Isolt_ safely to _King Mark_, under the knightly protection of the _Lord Tristram_, do now propose to drink their health, and ye must all do likewise, Lords and Ladies of Arthur's court." And she sipped her own glass, while she handed the gold cup to the Duke, who passed it on to the pair; and Tristram, because all eyes were upon him, forced himself to continue the jest.

So he rose and, taking Zara's hand, while he bowed to the company, gave her the cup to drink, and then took it himself, while he drained the measure.

And every one cried, amidst great excitement, "The health and happiness of _Tristram_ and _Isolt_!" Then, when the tumult had subsided a little, _Brangaine_ gave a pretended shriek.
"Mercy me! I am undone!" she cried.