"Alas," said Garin, "'tis a churlish speech I hear you make! I am your man and you are my master, but on the spot I renounce your homage, and in the name of all my line now defy you, rather than suffer you to disgrace my house." "Indeed," answered Thiébault, "I have no wish to do any such thing. Neither you nor your house shall ever receive aught but honor from me; not but what I have been counseled so to proceed." "Your great mercy!" exclaimed the nobleman. "It will be my honor if you will visit my guest." So side by side they went on until they reached the house. When Sir Gawain saw them, he rose out of courtesy, and said, "Welcome!" The two saluted him and took their seats beside him. Then the nobleman, who was the lord of that country, asked why he had taken no part in the tourney, and Gawain narrated how a knight had accused him of treason and how he was on his way to defend himself in a royal court. "Doubtless," answered the lord, "that is sufficient excuse. But where is the battle to be held?" "Sir, before the king of Cavalon, whither I am journeying." "And I," said the nobleman, "will guide you. Since you must needs pass through a poor country, I will provide you with food and packbeasts to carry it." Gawain answered that he had no need to accept anything, for if it could be bought he would have food and lodging wherever he went. With these words Thiébault took leave. As he departed, from the opposite direction he saw come his little daughter, who embraced Gawain's leg, and said, "Fair sir, listen! I have come to complain of my sister, who hath beaten me. So please you, do me justice!" Gawain made no answer, for he did not know what she meant. He put his hand on her head, while the girl pulled him, saying, "To you, fair sir, I complain of my sister. I do not love her, since to-day she hath done me great shame for your sake." "Fair one, what have I to do with that? How can I do you justice against your sister?" Thiébault, who had taken leave, heard his child's entreaty, and said, "Girl, who bade you come here and complain to this knight?" Gawain asked, "Fair sweet sir, is this maid your daughter?" "Aye; but never mind what she says. A girl is a silly creature." "Certes," said Gawain, "I should be churlish if I did not do what she desires. Tell me, my sweet child and fair, in what manner I can justify you against your sister." "If it pleaseth you, for love of me, bear arms in the tourney." "Tell me, dear friend," said Gawain, "have you ever before made petition to any knight?" "No, sir." "Never mind her," exclaimed her father. "Pay no heed to her folly." Sir Gawain answered, "Sir, so aid me the Lord God, for so little a girl, she hath spoken very well, and I will not refuse her. To-morrow, if she wisheth, I will be her knight." "Your mercy, fair sweet sir!" cried the child, who was overjoyed, and bowed down to his feet.