People were openly watching the rivalry between Lennox Tudor and himself, watching and speculating as to the result.

And he, about to be ignominiously removed from the conflict by his grandfather, at Tudor's suggestion, had become the laughing-stock of the place.

Piers' teeth nearly met in his lower lip.

Let them laugh! And let them chatter! He would give them ample food for amusement and gossip before he left.
He had yielded to his grandfather's desire because instinct had told him that his absence just at that stage of his wooing would be more beneficial than his presence.

He was shrewd enough to realize that the hot blood in him was driving him too fast, urging him to a pace which might irreparably damage his cause.