Page 255 - A Knight of the White Cross

been asking many questions about him of the young knights of his own
langue, Harcourt among them. They tell me that he is always in earnest in

everything he undertakes. He is without a rival among the younger knights
of the convent in his skill in arms, and for strength and activity in all

exercises; he seems to care nothing for the ordinary amusements in which
they join at Rhodes, and for nine months was scarcely ever seen by those in
the auberge, save when they gathered for meals, so continuously did he

work to acquire a perfect command of Turkish. How thoroughly he
succeeded is evident from the fact that he was able to live among the galley

slaves without exciting any suspicions in their minds that he was other than
he pretended to be, a Syrian captive. That he is brave goes without saying,
though perhaps no braver than the majority of his companions. The

extraordinary thing about him is that although, as he himself says, little
more than a boy, he has the coolness to plan, and the head to carry out,

schemes that would do credit to the most experienced captain. He is already
a credit to the Order, and, should he live, will assuredly rise to the highest
offices in it, and may even die its grand master. In the stormy times that are

coming on, there will be ample opportunities for him still further to
distinguish himself, and to fulfil the singular promise of his youth. That he

possesses great tact, as well as other qualities, is shown by the enthusiasm
with which his companions regard him. In no case, among those to whom I
have spoken, have I discerned the smallest jealousy of him. The tact that is

needed to stand thus among fifty young knights, almost all his seniors in
age, will assuredly enable him later on to command the confidence and

affection of older men."

When the other guests had left, and Caretto only remained, the countess

turned to Claudia. "You went too far, Claudia. I was willing enough, when
you asked me, that you should bestow a favour upon him. Most young

knights wear such a favour, which may be a sign of devotion, but which far
more frequently is a piece of gallantry. In the case of a knight hospitaller it
can only be the latter; it is in his case merely a sign that he has so

distinguished himself that some maiden feels a pride that her gift should be
carried into battle by him, and, on his part, that he too is proud of the gift so

bestowed by one whose goodwill he prizes. In that way I was willing that
you should grant him your favour. But the manner in which you gave it was