She spoke as she mounted:
"When a man comes to court, it is worth while to be a woman. You
will learn that some day, Sir Noel, if you grow to be a man."
Noel retorted:
"It is no great blazon to be the favourite of a king. Gentlemen who
brag little may do much. The old love may outlast the new."
Katherine frowned at his mystery.
"You speak like a scented Sphinx, but I am too idle for enigmas.
Farewell!" and she vanished into the palace.
Noel looked after her fretfully:
"Why are the women all sunflowers to this scaramouch?" he asked
himself querulously. "Well, there are other women, and a wise man
gathers the nearest grapes."
A flagon and cup stood on the table by the marble seat. Noel poured
himself out some wine and drank it, seeking consolation. His duty
called him shortly to the service of the king, but he lingered in
the garden on the chance of a hoped-for meeting.
"I shall be revenged," he said to himself, "if my astrologer plays
his part and tells the weak king that this Lord of Montcorbier is
his evil spirit."
His thoughts were busy with the events of the past week; if
Katherine had been disdainful, the girl Huguette had been kind, and
the Golden Scull had found the dainty soldier a frequent visitor.
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