"
The Earl nodded his head.
"Sir, am I not right in believing that thou hast certain weighty
purposes and aims of thine own to gain an I win this battle against the
Earl of Alban?"
"Has my brother George been telling thee aught to such a purpose?" said
the Earl, after a moment or two of silence.
Myles did not answer.
"No matter," added Lord Mackworth. "I will not ask thee who told thee
such a thing. As for thy question--well, sin thou ask it frankly, I will
be frank with thee. Yea, I have certain ends to gain in having the Earl
of Alban overthrown."
Myles bowed. "Sir," said he, "haply thine ends are as much beyond aught
that I can comprehend as though I were a little child; only this I know,
that they must be very great. Thou knowest well that in any case I would
fight me this battle for my father's sake and for the honor of my house;
nevertheless, in return for all that it will so greatly advantage thee,
wilt thou not grant me a boon in return should I overcome mine enemy?"
"What is thy boon, Sir Myles?"
"That thou wilt grant me thy favor to seek the Lady Alice de Mowbray for
my wife."
The Earl of Mackworth started up from his seat. "Sir Myles Falworth"--he
began, violently, and then stopped short, drawing his bushy eyebrows
together into a frown stern, if not sinister.
Myles withstood his look calmly and impassively, and presently the Earl
turned on his heel, and strode to the open window.
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