low tones to his mother. Sir Uwaine and his lady walked away, claiming
that they must give greeting to certain high ladies. And therewith
left Allan, the boy, and Yosalinde, who was even younger than he, to
themselves.

Allan strove to speak but found he could not and so sat on horse
waiting. The girl calmly watched him from her place, yet was there
mischief in her eyes.

"If you would, you may dismount from your horse and find place hither.
There is room, as you see," she suggested.

The lad looked uncertain. Yet Sir Percival had already found place
next to his mother and was now in earnest converse. So he found he
could not do otherwise.

Now Yosalinde laughed at what showed so plainly his unwillingness to
sit beside her.

"I shall not bite you. See how harmless I am? No witch, I hope, you
think I am. For shame that youth, who would be brave knight, should
fear a lady and in especial one so young as I."

"I fear you not," replied Allan hotly.

"Then perhaps you dislike me?" the minx questioned innocently.

"Certes, no. How could I?" the guileless youth replied.

"Then you do like me? Although I doubt I find any pride in that since