"None," replied Beatrice quickly. "We came hither because we could not rest at the inn, and, besides, we thought that news might be most plentiful where so many people were gathered together. We feel little like enjoying the tourney, brilliant though it is, but we both were glad to see thee gain the day in thine encounters." "I had not intended to take part," replied Edgar, "but our captain, Arthur Pomeroy, sought me out and dragged me with him to the lists. Nevertheless, while it lasted, I enjoyed it right well." "Thy part was well done, but best of all, to my mind, was thy succouring of poor Gaston Dugarde and the chance thou didst give to the mighty Guilbert to meet thee face to face. Those deeds have been the talk of the stand--far more so than thy powers with lance and sword. The one rings of true chivalry, the other is known by a lesser name." "Mayhap," replied Edgar, "but, even so, skill is not to be despised, for often ’tis that that makes the other possible. But ’twas not of the fight I wished to speak. I have forebodings that Sir Gervaise de Maupas knoweth something of Sir John’s disappearance. I have set Peter to watch his tent and to let me know who hath called upon him this morning. He hath not yet returned, and, feeling impatient, I came to tell you and to learn if perchance you had aught of news for me." "If thou thinkest ’tis De Maupas, wilt thou not denounce him to the earl?" cried both Gertrude and Beatrice with one voice. "Surely so dastardly a deed----" "Nay, nay, ladies, there is no evidence upon which I could cast such an aspersion upon the name of a knight of fair fame. ’Twould be useless, and would but put him upon his guard. Nay, I must proceed much more cautiously." "But why should Sir Gervaise seek to do him harm in secret when he hath full chance to defeat him in the lists?" objected Beatrice. "But could he defeat him? And even if he did, would Sir John’s honour have received so foul a blow as when he fails to answer to Sir Gervaise’s challenge? No, the thing is planned to ruin Sir John’s honour, and right well do I fear it will do so." "He will come," cried Gertrude in desperation. "He will strain every nerve to be in his place at the appointed time. Still will I look for him." "I too hope--but surely, Edgar Wintour, there is something to be done!" cried Beatrice impetuously. "Thou canst act well and strongly in the lists--art lost when the real need comes outside? Thou art Sir John’s esquire--appointed in the face of all thy comrades--and he looks to thee for aid. Prove thy title. Once thou didst boast that when a time of stress came upon us thou wouldst show thy worth." "I have done all that man could do," cried Edgar, flushing deeply at the bitter rebuke. "Sir John must be found," cried Beatrice, giving a reckless stamp of her little foot.