To the hasty and obsequious greetings of the landlord De Lacy gave only a short nod and ordered lodging for himself and men.  Choosing a small table in the farthest corner and in the shadow of the big chimney, he slowly sipped his wine.  There were eight others in the room, but Flat-Nose was not of them.  Three were merchants, traveling in company, possibly for protection on the road, and en route doubtless to York and its busy marts.  They were gathered about an abundant meal spread at one end of the large table and were talking loudly of their business.  At the other end of the board, their heads close together in subdued and earnest converse, were two Benedictines in the black tunic and gown of the Order.  De Lacy had early learned on the Continent that a traveling monk usually meant mischief afoot for some one; and as from their manner of talk they evidently had not been journeying together, but were just met, and possibly by prearrangement, it would be well he thought to keep them under a temporary surveillance.  Over near the window in the rear of the room were two lusty-looking men-at-arms, each with a big mug of ale at his elbow; and as they wore no badge of service, they also would bear watching.  The eighth and last was of De Lacy’s own rank, but older by at least ten years; and he stared across with such persistence that Aymer grew annoyed and drew back into the shadow.

Until the night when he had lost his betrothed, Aymer de Lacy had been genial, frank and open-hearted; taking life as it came, meeting man against man in the open, searching not into the dark.  But the outrage at the Hermit’s Cell, and the days of distress which followed had worked a change.  He was growing cold and stern and distrustful; cautious of speech; reserved and distant in manner; seeking always for a clue behind even the most friendly face or cordial greeting; and holding every stranger under the ban of suspicion.

At length having long since finished his wine, he was about to rap on the table for the landlord when the front door opened and a young girl glided into the room.  She wore the fancy dress of the tymbestere, a red bodice slashed and spangled, and a red skirt that came midway between the knee and the ground, disclosing a pair of trim and shapely ankles and small feet.  But as if to compensate for this display, her face was hidden by a black mask through which the eyes shone and smiled, but which effectively concealed her other features.

Pausing an instant, until satisfied she was observed by all, she began a slow and stately dance, timing her steps to the soft jingle of her tambourine.  The girl had a lithe gracefulness and stately bearing unusual in those of her class—­whose exhibitions were rather of the fast and furious kind with a liberal display of their forms—­and when with a last low curtsy she ended, there was plenty of applause from all save the two monks.  They eyed her with a displeasure they took no trouble to conceal; and when she tripped lightly over to them and extended her tambourine for an offering they drew back sourly.