That is," he went on, colouring, "if Dame Vernon makes no objection, as she well might." "If I did not object before, Walter," she said smiling, "why should I do so now ?" "It is different, my lady; before, it was somewhat of a jest, a sort of childish play on the part of Mistress Edith, though so far as I was concerned it was no play, but sober earnest.
"It needs no permission from me," Dame Vernon replied, "for you to wear my daughter's colours.

Any knight may proclaim any lady he chooses the mistress of his heart, and a reigning beauty will often have a dozen young knights who wear her colours.

However, I am well content that one who has done me such great service and who has shown such high promise should be the first to wear the gage of my little daughter, and if in after years your life fulfils the promise of your youth, and you remain true to her gage, there is none among all the youths of the court whom I would so gladly see at her feet.

Remember," she said, as Walter was about to speak, "her hand will not be at my disposal, but at that of the king.

His majesty is wont to bestow the hands of his wards upon those who most distinguish themselves in the field.