In the Court of King Arthur Part 23

"Think you the king will be provoked at our use of him and his court?"

Sir Galahad asked.

"Aye, that I do. Provoked that he was not with us to share in the adventure." Launcelot laughingly replied.

"Lady," Sir Launcelot addressed her in a moment's pause. "You had little need to worry when this knight became your champion. He is overly modest. Gladly shall I help him."

"G.o.d is good," the Lady Jeanne replied brokenly. "And He has placed me and my troubles in G.o.dly hands." And then she wept. And it seemed as if like a spring freshet, her thoughts, soul, and heart, were cleared and cleansed.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

A Rescue

"I seek speech with him who is Duke of Gascony. I bring him a message from Arthur, King of England." So spoke Merlin as he stood at the entrance of the great and splendid castle of the ruler of Gascony.

By his side were the two knights, Galahad and Launcelot. The page Charles stood close by and somewhat behind them were the two squires, Walker and Gouvernail.

"From England's king?" the Gascon knight questioned. And made as if he would further satisfy his curiosity. But changed his mind.

"I pray you wait, good sir, until I tell my lord, your message." So then he went within the great hall.

"A rash adventure, say I," and Merlin shook his head dolefully.

"You were ever a croaker, good Merlin," replied Sir Launcelot. "See not the thing so dolefully, I pray you."

"And think of the worth of what we accomplish," added Sir Galahad.

"Here now comes the Gascon with his answer, I see. Let us listen to what he says."

"We bid you welcome to Gascony and pray you to come within. My master sends his greetings and awaits you."

They followed then their guide and so came within the great hall of state where Sir Dolphus awaited them.

"Come you from England?" he asked.

"That we do," replied Merlin, "and carry a message for the Duke."

"There is no Duke of Gascony. He is dead. But I, by the will of all the n.o.bles of the land, rule in place. If you have message from England's king honor is mine to receive it."

"That message will I deliver right gladly. My king has long desired to come to Gascony and to other countries in France. So has he sent me forth to find first, how welcome will his visit be, second, as you may well understand, that such country as may come within his plans may worthy be his presence. For England's king must hold his honor and his presence at their royal worth.

"So come I to this brave land the which my king has heard well spoken and which he holds in high esteem. I find it sad news that he who reigned is dead, yet Gascony cannot suffer if you, most worshipful sir, rule instead."

Now did the crafty Dolphus find himself quick to see the worth to him of such a visit from the great king of England who was held in high esteem everywhere. If Arthur were to visit him then could none question his pretense to the throne. Too, were such visit soon, there would be need for him to be declared Duke of Gascony at once, so that Arthur could be met in royal state.

"Gascony, good sir, would welcome your king. And count it honor to receive him with all the honors due so great a name. When does your master plan to come?"

"Shortly, sir, after I make my return to England and make report. For he hopes also to visit Rome and pay homage to His Holiness, the Pope."

When he heard this, Sir Dolphus urged the emissaries of England's king to tarry awhile in Gascony.

"So that, kind sirs, you find our friendship for your master, such as may befit his visit to us. Greatly do we desire him to come and we would wish your report to be a kindly one. So find you welcome here.

We shall eat, drink and be merry."

So the party made itself at home. Sir Dolphus soon took great fancy to Sir Launcelot who proved a merry soul and the two spent many hours together.

"I would count it fortunate, Sir Launcelot, were you knight of this court. For I need friends such as you."

"Rather, I fancy, is the need otherwise. For the Duke of Gascony's friendship is no small thing and many there are who would hold it high honor. Of friends, you should have many." So the knight made flattering answer.

"Aye, but you know not. There are those who would believe that the dead duke lives and who though silent, yet are sullen over my rightful claim to take his place. And I find the Church of little help to me.

Though I have offered it many gifts, and promised it great riches, yet will it oppose my will."

"Does the Church object to you as Duke?" Sir Launcelot questioned. "I see not why."

"Nay, 'tis not as Duke but in other matters."

Caution seemed to overcome Sir Dolphus for many minutes. But he had great desire to confide in this friendly knight whose good will he wished.

"Art thou married, Sir Launcelot?" he asked.

"A strange question, my friend. Yet do I find my happiness in the single blessedness which is at present mine."

"Yet is marriage a most convenient thing sometime. 'Twould be for me at present."

"Say you, _'twould be?_ Yet, if I mistake not, have I heard that that blessed state is already yours. Though no sign have I seen as yet, of the Lady Dolphus.

"Aye, friend, married am I, worse the pity. And when I ask the Church to annul this unhappy state, and give it many gifts, still does it turn stubborn over such a little thing."

"What harm therein, my friend? Since that the lady is not with you?"

Friendly was Sir Launcelot's tone and right sympathetic.

"Aye, there I come back to what I have said--about marriage being most convenient at times. For would they annul the marriage I could then marry again, one who owns vast estate. And that would make me all powerful in Gascony."

Such laughter as shook the frame of Sir Launcelot. Nor was it unkindly.

"A great rogue you," he spoke pleasantly. "Off with the old and on with the new. Is it not so? And I fancy the new is also right young or I am greatly mistaken? Eh?"

Great was Sir Launcelot's hilarity. Nor did the other take offense thereat.

"I care little as to her youth or not. But I do care for the estate that goes with her," replied Sir Dolphus.

"She must like you greatly, to be willing?"

"Hardly could I say, she's that. But that would be small matter if I could but get the Church to sanction the deed. Yet have I hope that if I could get your king's goodwill, he could persuade the Pope on his visit to Rome. And there, good friend, you could help me greatly and well would I repay such kindness."

Not once did Sir Launcelot permit the hot temper within him to be unloosed. Played he so well with the wicked knight that it was but a few days thereafter Sir Dolphus invited him to visit with him the young damsel who was kept within prison walls. Never once did the knight demur or permit the other to think that he did not sympathize and agree with his plans.