A great _fete_ had been given in honor of the marriage of his daughter, and upon this day the young pair were to ride in triumph through the city.

Great preparations had been made; masks and pageants of various kinds manufactured; and the whole townspeople, dressed in their holiday attire, were gathered in the streets.

Cuthbert had gone out, followed by his little band of retainers, and taken their station to see the passing show.

First came a large body of knights and men-at-arms, with gay banners and trappings.

Then rode the bridegroom, with the bride carried in a litter by his side.