He tucked back his sleeves, adjusted the linen napkin comfortably about his neck, and fell to with a will.

He raised his first glass of hippocras and gave thanks to his hostess.

A true mother in Israel! She was looking at him with favour.

He was the breed of monk that she liked, suave, well-mannered, observant of men and cities.

Already he had told her entertaining matter about the French King's court, and the new Burgrave of Ghent, and the escapades of Count Baldwin.