Page 108 - A Knight of the White Cross

English most fluently. Robert Rivers was not present, for he had returned to
England six months before, to take up his residence at the House in

Clerkenwell, in order that he might bring to bear the interest of his many
powerful friends to secure for him an appointment as commander of one of

the estates of the Order in England. His departure had caused general
satisfaction among the other knights, whom his arrogance and ill temper
had frequently irritated. Gervaise especially was glad at his leaving the

Island, for after he received the honour of knighthood, Rivers made a point
of always addressing him with an affectation of deference and respect that

often tried his temper to the utmost.

"It is well that Rivers has gone," Ralph said, laughing, "for I don't know

how he would have supported the chagrin your appointment would have
given him. He was devoured with jealousy as it was, but this would have

been a trial beyond bearing."

"I am heartily glad he has gone," Gervaise said gravely. "I have put up with

a great deal from him, but I don't think I could have stood much more. If
our vows had not forbidden our fighting I should have called him to

account long ago; but the only thing else to do was for me to lodge a formal
complaint before the bailiff, of his continually offensive bearing and
manner, which I could not bring myself to do, and indeed there was no

special matter that would have seemed to justify me, no single speech that
in itself would warrant such grave action on my part. I used to wish over

and over again that we could but meet in some quiet spot in England, both
unarmed, and could there settle the matter in good English fashion, with
our fists, or even with a couple of quarterstaffs."

The others laughed.

"That would be a very unknightly form of contest."

"I care not for that," Gervaise replied. "It would be a very satisfactory one
anyhow, and quite serious enough for the occasion. His sneers and petty

insults were not sufficient to justify the drawing of blood, and there has
been enough of that shed for the last twenty years in England without two