This was vastly well; but Master Porges' present bent was towards
policy. Her ladyship had advised with him in her new occasions. "Sir
Galors de Born," she had said, "is a late enemy of mine no longer to
be feared, since I have won back all my fiefs by the readiness and
prudent discretion of the High Bailiff of Wanmeeting."
This good man had indeed made the most of his achievements, and,
reflecting that Prosper had gone alone to tackle Galors,--whereof he
was indubitably dead,--and that it was a pity no one should be any the
better for such a mishap, had told the whole story to his mistress,
carefully leaving the hero's name out of account. "For why," said the
Bailiff, "cause a woman to shed unavailing tears?"
"Remember, however," the Countess went on, "that this Galors may be
the escort of the Lady Pietosa de Bréauté, my daughter and your
mistress, to her home. Pay him then the respect due to such an
esquire, but no more. Receive from him my Lady Pietosa, and put
yourself between her and him--yourself at her right hand and in the
middle. She is not his; at the worst of all he is hers."
Master Porges bowed, observing. Here was need of a high stroke of
policy. Now policy to him meant mastery, and mastery when it did not
mean a drubbing, as it had done with Prosper (the greatest politician
he had ever known), meant a snubbing. With a cue from Prosper's
handling of the science, Master Porges thought he could show Galors,
politically, his place.
The white-robed throng of singers stopped, with wondering simple
faces, before the great black knight and his rose-clad lady. Prosper
doubtless looked grim--he hardly filled the headpiece of Galors: the
white wicket-gates, with many a dint across them, gleamed harshly from
the coal-black shield. Entra per me had an uncompromising ring
about it. His visor was down; he did not wish them to see a too good-
humoured face until he had exacted a tribute.
But Master Porges cantered up with many a sweep of hand and cap to the
lady.
"My lady, welcome to your halls and smiling goodly lands. We have done
what honour we might. Your ladyship will read it for an earnest of our
duties and good-will."
Thus Porges. Isoult sat wondering, very much confused. She was coming
in as a queen indeed. Master Porges went on to handle the esquire.
"Master Galors, good-day to you," he said. "My lady the Countess of
Hauterive hath heard of you. She may possibly send for you anon. In
the meantime, in the pendency of her motions to that grace, I am to
receive from you the Lady Pietosa, who has suffered your attentions so
far, and who thanks you, through me, her inherited minister. At your
ladyship's pleasure now. Follow us, good Master Galors."