Here is the Lady Hilda, who would thank you for somewhat you did for her." She beckoned, and a lady rose up from the window seat near by and came forward.

Truly I had to look twice before I was quite sure that this was she, for here was a wonderfully stately young lady, clad in white and gold and blue, all unlike the maiden who had clung to her father as we rode yestereven.

And if I had thought her fair then, I saw now that she was the fairest of all those who attended this homely and kindly-faced queen.

She held out her hand to me, and I bent and kissed it; and on the white wrist I saw the blue marks of the clutch of the wild men, which made a great wrath rise in my heart straightway.

Yet I must say somewhat or seem mannerless.
"You have fared none the worse for your ride, lady ?" I said.