“Ah, yes, we shall certainly be there,” they both answered; and Freda added gaily, “Albeit ye begin the day somewhat early.  But why should we not be up with the sun on Merrie May Day?”

“Why not, indeed?” questioned Arthur eagerly, “for the day will scarce be long enough for all there is to do.  You will come to the sports in the meadows later, fair maidens?  And I have a favour to ask of you twain.  May I be bold enough to proffer it now?”

They looked at him with smiling, questioning eyes.

“A favour, fair sir?”

“Yes, truly; for I would ask of you to be witness to our contest of calcio in yonder green meadow, and to present to the victors the garlands of laurel and flowers which are to be their reward who shall come off triumphant in the strife.  No contest is so keenly contested as that which is watched by the bright eyes of fair ladies, and I would ask that ye be the queens of the strife, and reward the victorious company with your own fair hands.”

The girls assented gladly and gaily.  They had heard much of this newly-introduced game, and were curious to witness it.  The more ancient sports of quintain, on land and water, morris dancing, quarterstaff, archery, and such like, were all familiar enough.  But calcio was something of a novelty; and to be chosen as the queens of the contest was no small pleasure, and their eyes beamed with gratification and delight.

Arthur Cole was equally pleased at having won their consent, and told them how that a fine pavilion would be erected in the meadow, where they and their friends could survey the scene at ease, protected alike from the heat of the sun, or from falling showers, should any betide.  It was plain that this spectacle was to be on a decidedly magnificent scale.  Arthur Cole was said to have expended much money upon the rich dresses of the players; now he spoke of a pavilion for the selected bystanders.  It promised to be quite a fresh excitement for the university.

Dalaber and Cole went away together slightly later, and Hugh Fitzjames remained to supper with his kinsfolks.

“Anthony has taken a mighty liking for yonder fine gentleman of late,” remarked the youth.  “They are ever together now.  Well, he might do worse for a friend.  Master Cole is one of the richest students in Oxford.”

“That is not what attracts Anthony, though,” spoke Freda.  “I think it has been this new game, into which Anthony has thrown himself with such zest.  Perhaps it is good for him to have other things than his books to think of.  A short while back he was ever poring over the written page and burning the midnight oil.  You said so yourself, Hugh.”

“Yes, verily; and I have no quarrel with him for it.  I think he is safer playing calcio with Cole than for ever studying the books he gets from Clarke and his friends, as he has been doing of late.”

“Safer?” questioned Freda quickly; “how safer, Hugh?”