he proceeded to hum under his breath, by way of outlet to his amused
sensibilities, the dulcet refrain which runs:

In days of old, when knights were bold
And barons held their sway,
A warrior bold, with spurs of gold.
Sang merrily his lay,
Sang merrily his lay:
"My love is young and fair,
My love hath golden hair,
And eyes so blue and heart so true
That none with her compare.
So what care I, though death be nigh?
I'll live for love or die!
So what care I, though death be nigh,
I'll live for love or die!"

What was going to happen? How would Sir Knight set to work to slay or
expel the obnoxious dragon? Harrington felt mildly curious despite his
sardonic emotions, and while he took mental note of what was taking
place around him he contrived to keep an eye on his censors. He had
observed that the young man's face while she talked to him had worn a
worried expression, as though he were already meditating whether the
situation was not hopeless unless he had recourse to personal
violence; but, having put his Dulcinea into her carriage, he appeared
to be in no haste to begin hostilities. Indeed, without further ado,
or even a glance in Harrington's direction, he took his place in the
line of mourners which was moving toward the neighboring cemetery.

Harrington was for a moment divided in his own mind between the claims