Let me be your escort homewards if you have none worthier than I." "Alas," she answered, smiling yet more subtly, "I have no home near by.

My home is very far and over many turbulent seas.

I have but a maiden's pavilion in which to rest my head.

Yet since I and my company must needs travel through your domains, Earl William, I trust you will not be so cruel as to forbid us ?" "Yes,"-- he was smiling now in turn, and catching somewhat of the gay spirit of the lady,--"as overlord of all this province I do forbid you to pass through these lands of Galloway without first visiting me in my house of Thrieve!" The lady clapped her hands and laughed, letting her palfrey pace onwards through the woodland glades bridle free, while Black Darnaway, compelled by his master's hand, followed, tossing his head indignantly because it had been turned from the direction of his nightly stable on the Castle Isle..