Page 250 - A Knight of the White Cross

"As I have said, Countess, I know no ladies who would bestow favours
upon me; in the second place, I am but eighteen, and it would be ridiculous

for me to think of such matters; lastly, it seems to me that, being vowed to
the Order, I can desire no other mistress."

Claudia, who had listened with rapt attention to the story, whispered in her
mother's ear. The latter smiled.

"It seems to me, Sir Gervaise," she went on, "that after what you have done

for Italy there are many fair maidens who would feel it an honour that their
colours should be borne by one who has shown himself so valiant a knight.
You see, a gage of this kind does not necessarily mean that there is any

deep feeling between the knight who bears it and the lady who bestows it; it
shows only that she, on her part, feels it an honour that her gage should be

worn by a distinguished knight, and, on his part, that he considers it as
somewhat more than a compliment, and wears it as a proof of regard on the
part of one whose good opinion at least he values. It is true that among

secular knights it may mean even more than this, but it ought not to mean
more among knights of an Order like yours, pledged to devote their lives to

a lofty and holy aim. My daughter Claudia whispers to me that she would
deem it an honour indeed if you would wear her token, accepting it in the
spirit in which I have spoken. She is fourteen now, and, as you know, a

maid of fourteen here is as old as one of sixteen or seventeen in your
country."

Gervaise turned to the girl, who was standing by her mother's chair, looking
earnestly at him. He had noticed her the evening before; she had asked no

questions, but had listened so intently that he had felt almost embarrassed.
Claudia's was a very bright face, and yet marked by firmness and strength.

He turned his eyes again to the countess.

"I never thought of wearing a woman's favour," he said; "but if your

daughter will bestow one upon me, I shall be proud to wear it, and trust that
I may carry it unstained. I shall feel honoured indeed that one so fair, and,

as I am sure by her face, so deserving of all the devotion that a knight of
our Order can give, has thought me worthy of being one of those on whom