“From this story we may learn, that all our best-laid plans to gain the confidence of another may prove unsuccessful, and that it is not always by conferring favours that one can excite his good-will. On the other hand, as soon as his own vanity is inlisted on our side, we have no farther trouble, but the game of itself will be won.” CHAPTER XX. How Sir Otto challenged the Knight of Montfaucon. Many opinions were immediately offered on this story of the old warrior and young lover. Some praised the prudence and reserve of Donatello; others extolled the quick-sightedness of Signora Portia, for having understood the wishes and motives of such a silent lover; while it was agreed on all sides that the persons in the drama were to be looked on as equally fortunate, Signor Dimetri not excepted, since he, like the rest, had obtained at last the object which he had so long wished for. During this discourse, the kind and hospitable Sir Folko de Montfaucon was looking eagerly round the table, watching whether his guests were well supplied with wine and satisfied with their entertainment. It now seemed to him as if Sir Otto von Trautwangen sat lost in thoughts, which, from the expression of his features, could not be either cheerful or agreeable. Wishing to rouse him from this trance, Sir Folko observed, “My noble guest from Germany has heard all the remarks which have been made on the Count’s narrative, but has not himself uttered one word. May it please you, sir, to say which of these characters seems to you the most praiseworthy and enviable? Whether do you like best the young lady or the knight?”