Page 245 - A Knight of the White Cross

"I do not think there is one of us who so feels," Ralph said earnestly. "In the
first place, he has performed excellent service; in the next place, even those

who did not know him before, have felt, since we started, that he is a born
leader. Then, too, we regard with pride one who has brought credit upon

the younger members of the Order. Moreover, we all owe our posts in the
galley to the fact that he was chosen for its command. It is a difficult
position for him to fill, but he has managed so that, while all obey his

orders as cheerfully and willingly as if he were a veteran, when off duty we
regard him as one of ourselves."

"You are a staunch friend, Sir Ralph."

"I am a staunch friend of Sir Gervaise, Countess, for the more I know of
him the more I care for him. He well deserves the promotion and honour

that have fallen to his share."

"Will you bring him across here to us, Sir Ralph? I want to talk to this hero

of yours, and I am sure that my daughter is longing to be introduced to
him."

Ralph waited until Gervaise was disengaged, and then brought him across,
and, after introducing him, moved away at once, leaving Gervaise to be

interrogated by the ladies.

"You must be accustomed to festivities, Sir Gervaise, for we have just
heard that you were one of the grand master's pages?"

"I am accustomed to them, signora; but that is not at all the same thing as
liking them."

The reply was given so earnestly that all the ladies smiled.

"Your taste is quite exceptional. Do you mean to say that you would rather
be on board your galley than here?"