yards or more to a part of the square where there was no lamp, then
paused to consider.

"I have made a fool of myself," he reflected, "as Isobel always says I
do when I get the chance. I have come all this way and been abused and
laughed at for nothing."

Then his native determination began to assert itself. Why should it be
for nothing? There was the house, and in it was Isobel, and oh! he
wanted to see her. He crossed to the square-garden side and walked
down in the shadow of the trees which grew there.

Under one of these he took his stand, squeezing himself against the
railings, and watched the glowing house that was opposite, from which
came the sounds of music, of dancing feet, of laughter and the
tinkling of glasses. It had balconies, and on these appeared people
dressed in all sorts of costumes. Among them he tried to recognise
Isobel, but could not. Either she did not come or he was too far off
to see her.

A dance was ending, the music grew faster and faster, then ceased with
a flourish. More people appeared on the balconies. Others crowded into
the hall, which he could see, for the door was open. Presently a pair
came onto the steps. One of them was dressed as a knight in shining
armour. He was a fine, tall young man, and his face was handsome, as
the watcher could perceive, for he had taken off his plumed helm and
carried it in his hand. The other was Isobel in her Plantagenet
costume, to which were added one rose and a necklet of pink pearls.
They stood on the steps a little while laughing and talking. Then he
heard her say: