64 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

Now it happened that Walter Espec had never
before seen a king, and was prepared to behold
something very grand, like Coeur de Lion, with his
scarlet bonnet, his rose-coloured tunic, and his mantle
of striped silver tissue, and his Damascus blade |
with a golden hilt in a silver sheath. Naturally,
therefore, he was at the first glance somewhat dis-
appointed with the appearance of the monarch in
whose presence he stood. But as Louis turned upon
him a countenance which, albeit not beautiful, de-
noted energy and decision of character, and expressed
at once goodness and good-nature, and high moral
and intellectual superiority, the youth, whose in-
stincts were strong, felt that he was in the presence
of a nian who was worthy of reigning. |

‘Young gentleman,’ said Louis, mildly, as Walter
bent his knee, ‘it has come to my knowledge that
you have performed an action noble in itself, and
worthy of the praises of the valiant.’

‘Sire, replied Walter, colouring, and speaking
with less than his wonted confidence, ‘I scarce know
to what your highness is pleased to refer.’

‘Ah,’ said Louis, glancing towards the Lord of
Joinville, ‘I can hardly credit your words. But
such modesty is becoming in youth. However, I
mean that, four days since, as I learn, you saved a
noble demoiselle from the sea, at the most manifest
peril to your own life.’ |

Walter bowed in ceeded of the com-
pliment, but did not speak.

‘Not,’ continued Louis hastily, ‘not that you
sould therefore be vainglorious, or puffed up with