Ralph arrived just as Walter was setting out. The latter presented him to the knight, who spoke with praise of the gallantry which he had displayed on the previous day, and then handed him over to John Mervaux, with instructions to enroll him as a man-at-arms among his followers, to inform him of his duties, and to place him with those who attended upon the other esquires. After seeing Ralph disposed of, Walter went across to the Earl of Talbot and was again conducted to the presence of Dame Vernon. “You have changed since we met last, young sir,” she said with a smile, “though it is but a month since. Then you were a 'prentice boy, now you are an esquire of Sir Walter Manny, and on the highway to distinction. That you will win it I am well assured, since one who risked his life to rescue a woman and child whose very names were unknown to him is sure to turn out a noble and valiant knight. I little thought when my daughter called you her knight, that in so short a time you might become an aspirant to that honour. I hope that you do not look askance at us, now that you know I am in possession of the lands of your parents. Such changes of land, you know, often occur, but now I know who you are, I would that the estates bestowed upon Sir Jasper had belonged to some other than you; however, I trust that you will hold no grudge against us, and that you may win as fair an estate by the strength of your arm and the king's favour.” “Assuredly I feel no grudge, madam,” Walter replied, “and since the lands were forfeited, am pleased that of all people they should have gone to one so kind and so fair as yourself.” “What, learning to be a flatterer already!” Dame Vernon laughed. “You are coming on fast, and I predict great things from you. And now, Edith, lay aside that sampler you are pretending to be so busy upon and speak to this knight of yours.” Edith laid down her work and came forward. She was no longer the dignified little queen of the tournament, but a laughing, bright-faced girl. “I don't see that you are changed,” she said, “except in your dress. You speak softly and naturally, just as you used to do, and not a bit like those little court fops, Uncle Talbot's pages. I am afraid you will not want to be my knight any more, now that you are going to get great honours at the war; for I heard my Uncle Talbot tell my lady mother that he was sure you would gain great credit for yourself.” “I shall be always your knight,” Walter said earnestly; “I told you I should, and I never break my word. That is,” he went on, colouring, “if Dame Vernon makes no objection, as she well might.” “If I did not object before, Walter,” she said smiling, “why should I do so now?” “It is different, my lady; before, it was somewhat of a jest, a sort of childish play on the part of Mistress Edith, though so far as I was concerned it was no play, but sober earnest.