'Ha! I had forgot that there was ill-blood betwixt you. But are there none in all England who love thee?'
'None that I dare say so.'
'And none whom you love?'
'Nay, I will not say that,' said Alleyne.
Sir Nigel shook his head and laughed softly to himself. 'I see how it is with you,' he said. 'Have I not noted your frequent sighs, and vacant eye? Is she fair?'
'She is indeed,' cried Alleyne from his heart, all tingling at this sudden turn of the talk.
'And good?'
'As an angel.'
'And yet she loves you not?'
'Nay, I cannot say that she loves another.'
'Then you have hopes?'
'I could not live else.'
'Then must you strive to be worthy of her love. Be brave and pure, fearless to the strong and humble to the weak; and so, whether this love prosper or no, you will have fitted yourself to be honoured by a maiden's love, which is, in sooth, the highest guerdon which a true knight can hope for.'
'Indeed, my lord, I do so strive,' said Alleyne; 'but she is so sweet, so dainty, and of so noble a spirit, that I fear me that I shall never be worthy of her.'
'By thinking so you become worthy. Is she then of noble birth?'
'She is, my lord,' faltered Alleyne.
'Of a knightly house?'
'Yes.'
'Have a care, Alleyne, have a care!' said Sir Nigel kindly. 'The higher the steed the greater the fall. Hawk not at that which may be beyond thy flight.'
'My lord, I know little of the ways and usages of the world,' cried Alleyne, 'but I would fain ask your rede upon the matter. You have known my father and my kin: is not my family one of good standing and repute?'
