"I cannot deny you. Truly it is no night to be outdoors. Stay then and welcome." Morning found the storm in no wise abated. The lady of the castle did not appear at the morning meal. But the old man was there to serve them. He too, seemed much disturbed and made as if to have speech with Sir Galahad, once or twice. "What troubles your pate, old man?" Walker finally asked him. "These are dark days for the house of Sanscourt," the latter replied and crossed himself. "Perhaps, good man, it may be within us to lighten them," Sir Galahad said kindly, "If we can, it may repay in part for your mistress' hospitality." "Would that my lady could find it in her to confide in you. For you seem right friendly, my lord." "Beseech you her. Tell her that Sir Galahad offers his services if she has need of them." The man soon returned. "My lady thanks you kindly for your offer and she will see you soon," he said. The Knight waited but a few moments when his hostess came into the room. "You are gracious, Sir Galahad. I doubt whether there can be any help for me. Yet I shall tell you my story for there still may be hope for so wretched a person as myself." "My lady, it is the duty of all true knights to be of help to those in distress. Wherefore, I hold but to my knightly vow, in my promise of service to you." The Lady Jeanne made no answer, seemingly she had not heard him. Sir Galahad watched her, saw her look which seemed afar, saw the dark rims around her eyes. They spoke of many hours of weeping. Now she turned to him. "I think, my lord, this storm that seems as if it will not cease has been sent by God. Strange though it may seem it brings me hope, dim though that hope may be, yet I treasure it. Little reason for hope have I had. "Think me not rude, Sir Galahad, and think not that I question your valor or skill. But this is task for no lone knight, for my enemy is strong and powerful. I may be selfish too, in that I draw you into my troubles but I am like one who drowning, must need snatch at a straw. And many knights would hesitate long to offer service where the cause is as hopeless as mine seemingly is. Nor will I blame you or hold you, if after my story is done, you find no way in which you can help me. "Listen then and you will see why I count this storm as sign of hope sent to me." CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX Lady Jeanne's Story Two years will it be next month when the Duke of Gascony with fifty knights went forth on a quest that would take them to far Eastern lands. Of these fifty, Sir Vilard, my husband, was one. "He left with me, my son Ambrose, my daughter Helene and two servitors, old men who could not go with him. It was in a good and holy cause so I had no tears for him to see. Rather did I bid him Godspeed and a safe and quick return.