Marquis, who had doubtless been occupied with his friends in the stable yard, came bounding up into the court just as Richard threw himself on the back of his mare.

At the sight of Lady, whom he knew so well, with her master on her back, a vision of older and happier times, the poor animal forgot himself utterly, rushed through the hall like a whirlwind, and burst into a tempest of barking in the middle of the fountain court--whether to rouse his mistress, or but to relieve his own heart, matters little to my tale.

There was not a moment to lose, and Richard rode out of the hall and made for the gate..