“My name is Gabrielle, and I am descended from the ancient race of Portamour.--Being from my earliest infancy an orphan, I yet frequently heard from the people to whom I was given in charge, that I ought to be one of the noblest and richest ladies in all France, were it not for the absence of a certain ring, which a countess of the Norman family Montfaucon had contrived to get into her possession; and which had been inherited by her daughter, who was about the same age with myself. So the ring was constantly held out to me as the most desirable and important of all worldly possessions;--whether waking or asleep, I thought and dreamed but of this alone, knowing that this wonderful gem would not only convey to me some extensive territories, but, what was far more important in my estimation, would bring along with it the knowledge of several magical spells, and even a commanding influence over the world of spirits. Judge what were my feelings, when one evening at the King’s court, where I had just then made my first appearance, a young lady was introduced, by name Blanchefleur de Montfaucon, on whose beautiful hand (for she was indeed very beautiful) I directly recognized the ring, which, from the frequent descriptions that I had heard of it, was perfectly known to me! To get this treasure into my own possession was, for the first time, an easy task; for, during the festival, we were to pass the night in the same chamber, and Blanchefleur having carelessly taken it from her finger, I seized on my own family-property as soon as she fell asleep. Next morning she scarcely seemed to regret her loss; but, after searching for a few moments in vain, she went away gayly to attend the tournament, which had just then begun. Thither I followed her, and soon after we had taken our places, a graceful and warlike knight rode up towards her, who, as I understand, was her brother, Sir Folko de Montfaucon. His bright falconlike eyes had, in a moment, observed the absence of the ring on her finger, and its appearance on mine. After having interchanged a few words with his sister, he came to me with looks respectful indeed, but grave and determined; then, pointing his lance to the ground, ‘Lady,’ said he, ‘may it please you to select a champion, with whom I may try my fortune in the lists, and from whom I may win back that ring which now shines on your beautiful hand, but which belongs to my sister, Blanchefleur?’ Of course I did according as he desired; but, in consequence of this agreement, one of the most renowned and skilful knights in France, whom I had chosen for my defender, was thrown prostrate on the sand, so quickly and decisively, that, according to the rules of the combat, I had no alternative left, but must immediately restore to him the family-jewel, which I had possessed for so short a while,--to be given back to his admired sister, Blanchefleur.