'Beyond all question.'
'And yet you warn me that I must not place my love too high.'
'Were Minstead yours, Alleyne, then, by Saint Paul! I cannot think that any family in the land would not be proud to take you among them, seeing that you come of so old a strain. But while the Socman lives Ha, by my soul! if this is not Sir Oliver's step I am the more mistaken.'
As he spoke, a heavy footfall was heard without, and the portly knight flung open the door and strode into the room.
'Why, my little coz,' said he, 'I have come across to tell you that I live above the barber's in the Bue de la Tour, and that there is a venison pasty in the oven and two flasks of the right vintage on the table. By St. James! a blind man might find the place, for one has but to get in the wind from it, and follow the savoury smell. Put on your cloak, then, and come, for Sir Walter Hewett and Sir Bobert Briquet, with one or two others, are awaiting us.'
'Nay, Oliver, I cannot be with you, for I must to Montaubon this day.'
'To Montaubon? But I have heard that your Company is to come with my forty Winchester rascals to Dax.'
'If you will take charge of them, Oliver. For I will go to Montaubon with none save my two squires and two archers. Then, when I have found the rest of my Company I shall lead them to Dax. We set forth this morning.'
'Then I must back to my pasty,' said Sir Oliver. 'You will find us at Dax, I doubt not, unless the prince throw me into prison, for he is very wroth against me.'
'And why, Oliver?'
'Pardieu! because I have sent my cartel, gauntlet, and defiance to Sir John Chandos and to Sir William Pelton.'
'To Chandos? In God's name, Oliver, why have you done this?'
'Because he and the other have used me despitefully.'
