The next even, when we came into hall for supper, was Sir Roger de Mortimer on the dais, looking as though the world belonged to him. Maybe he thought it was soon to do the same; and therein was he not deceived. The first day, he sat in his right place, at the high table, after the knights and barons of France whom the King of France had appointed to the charge of our Queen: but not many days were over ere he crept up above them--and then above the bishops themselves, until at last he sat on the left hand of Queen Isabel, my Lord of Chester being at her right. But this first night he kept his place. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Note 1. Neuilly. Queen Isabelle's scribe is responsible for the orthography in this and subsequent places. Note 2. The old Palace of the French Kings, the remaining part of which is now known as the Conciergerie. Note 3. September 12th. Note 4. Cakes made with honey. Three pennyworth were served daily at the royal table. Note 5. Wardrobe Account, 19 Edward the Second, 25/15. Note 6. Rheims and Soissons. An idea of the difficulties of travelling at that time maybe gathered from the entry of "Guides for the Queen between Paris and Rheims, 18 shillings." Note 7. The vessel containing the oil wherewith the Kings of France were anointed, oil and ampulla being fabled to have come from Heaven. Note 8. 2 pounds 13 shillings 4 pence.--Wardrobe Account, 19 Edward the Second, 25/15. Note 9. Gee. This is one of the few words in our tongue directly derivable from the ancient Britons. Note 10. "Avice Serueladi" occurs on the Close Roll for 1308. PART ONE, CHAPTER 3. HOW DAME ELIZABETH'S BILL WAS PAID. "And yet it never was in my soul To play so ill a part: But evil is wrought by want of thought As well as by want of heart." Thomas Hood. As I came forth of hall, after supper, that even, and we were entered into the long gallery whereinto the Queen's degrees opened, I was aware of a full slender and white-faced young maid, that held by the hand a small [little child] of mayhap five or six years. She looked as though she waited for some man. The Queen had tarried in hall to receive a messenger, and Dame Joan de Vaux was in waiting, so Dame Elizabeth, Dame Isabel, Dame Tiffany, and I were those that passed along the gallery. Dame Isabel and Dame Tiffany the maid let pass, with no more than a pitiful look at the former, that deigned her no word: but when Dame Elizabeth came next, on the further side, I being betwixt, the maid stepped forward into the midst, as if to stay her. Her thin hands were clasped over her bosom, and the pitifullest look ever I saw was in her eyes. "_Dame, ayez pitie_!" was all she said; and it was rather breathed than spoken.