the convent in his skill in arms, and for strength and activity in all exercises; he seems to care nothing for the ordinary amusements in which they join at Rhodes, and for nine months was scarcely ever seen by those in the auberge, save when they gathered for meals, so continuously did he work to acquire a perfect command of Turkish.  How thoroughly he succeeded is evident from the fact that he was able to live among the galley slaves without exciting any suspicions in their minds that he was other than he pretended to be, a Syrian captive.  That he is brave goes without saying, though perhaps no braver than the majority of his companions.  The extraordinary thing about him is that although, as he himself says, little more than a boy, he has the coolness to plan, and the head to carry out, schemes that would do credit to the most experienced captain.  He is already a credit to the Order, and, should he live, will assuredly rise to the highest offices in it, and may even die its grand master.  In the stormy times that are coming on, there will be ample opportunities for him still further to distinguish himself, and to fulfil the singular promise of his youth.  That he possesses great tact, as well as other qualities, is shown by the enthusiasm with which his companions regard him.  In no case, among those to whom I have spoken, have I discerned the smallest jealousy of him.  The tact that is needed to stand thus among fifty young knights, almost all his seniors in age, will assuredly enable him later on to command the confidence and affection of older men.”

When the other guests had left, and Caretto only remained, the countess turned to Claudia.  “You went too far, Claudia.  I was willing enough, when you asked me, that you should bestow a favour upon him.  Most young knights wear such a favour, which may be a sign of devotion, but which far more frequently is a piece of gallantry.  In the case of a knight hospitaller it can only be the latter; it is in his case merely a sign that he has so distinguished himself that some maiden feels a pride that her gift should be carried into battle by him, and, on his part, that he too is proud of the gift so bestowed by one whose goodwill he prizes.  In that way I was willing that you should grant him your favour.  But the manner in which you gave it was far more serious than the occasion warranted, and your promise to grant no similar favour to another as long as he lived, surprised, and, I may almost say, shocked me.  You are, according to our custom here, considered almost a woman, and had not Sir Gervaise belonged to a religious Order, and were he of a presuming disposition, he might well have gathered a meaning from your words far beyond what you intended, and have even entertained a presumptuous hope that you were not indifferent to his merits.  In the present case, of course, no harm is done; still, methinks that it would be far better had the words been unspoken.  Your cousin here will, I am sure, agree with me.”