The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-06-11
A Tournament in the 10th Century.
BY MADAME GABRIELLE D'ARvoR.

Translated for the VIRGINIAN.
CHAPTER III.
4 procession was soon organized. In il
were represented all the old costumes
without distinction of epoch. The orders
of chiyary shone in he first rank. There
were Templars in garb of war, coat Of
mail, flowing tunic, white cloak with the
red cross; knights of the order of Porte
glaive in blue small clothes with gold
clasps, white tunic, long white cloak lined
with green, over the breast and on the
shield, two swords crossed, plumed helmet
gilt lance some knights Of st. John OF
Jerusalem in caravan costume, dOublet of
amaranth colored velvet, cuirass of green
satin with the white cross, cooked hat and
side sword Knights of the Order of Christ
in large white cloak, Maltese cross, pur-
pie cord and tassels Knights of the Bath
and Gastu; Knights of the Teutonic Or
der. a group Of knights Of st. Lazarus
attracted particularly attention by the
richness Of their costumes. The grand
master advanced, arrayed in his dalmatica
Of white, gold embroidered satin, on the
front and sleeves of which was quartered
q cross of amaranthine tan-color and green
q long cloak of amaranth- colored velvet
lined with green satin, shot with fears de
lys and figures in gold half covered that
dalmatica, Il large collar of green satin,
alco ON in, cold horn Io orocc Of
the order. Several knights, novice and
a serving brother, accompanied him. They
wore about the same costume but a SIM
pier one, and were preceded by a hussar in
close coat of amaranth- colored cloth
with vermilion-colored mace on his
shoulder, and by herald bearing on his
dalmatica of amaranth- cOlored velvet the
cross and escutcheon of the order.
Farther off appeared the rich cloak of pur-
pie and gold of knight of the Annunciad,
his plumed helmet and medieval ruff by
his side a merry representative of the
order of Fools pulled breeches, yellow and
red, yellow stockings, green vest, black
cloak with the image of fool embroidered
in silver. Near by were majestic
knight of the Fleece of Gold, in his robe
and crimson cloak lined with white satin,
and knight of st. Michael, in white with
rich embroidery. Then came powerful
barons followed by esquires and men-at-
arms. all on horseback. Ladies mounted
on their palfreys, led by pages, surrounded
the chariot of the queen of beauty. The
knights who had fought in the tournament
formed an escort of honor for her.
The brilliant cortege traversed the
streets of the city and then returned to
the castle, where a magnificent reception
had been prepared.
Towards nine O'Clock in the evening,
the city was Illuminated. 1t was splen-
did spectacle. A torcblight procession
paraded thro' the streets the knights and
the noble chatalaines followed it on horse
back. A clear sky in which myriads of
stars shone brightly lighted up the land
scape, a fresher air followed the heat of
the day.
Laura de Tillac, somewhat Wearied by
her triumph, almost longed for the mo-
ment when sic could lay aside the in
sigma of her days royalty. Her curiosity
was aroused by the presence of the un-
known knight. He kept near the chariot
with lowered visor and without speaking
to her. When the procession ended and
the cortege returned to the castle, the
Knight of Hope alighted from his horse
handed the reins to his esquire and ap-
preached the Queen of Beauty. He had
changed his costume; he no longer bore
his shield or wore an iron gauntlet, but
had retained his helmet and visor.
The knight approached Laura and, sti Il
silent, OF red his hand to assist her to
alight 1.-The horse SHE'D. She was fright
ened, but the unknown said pleasantly
What fear you? Am not at hand p
The sound Of that voice, that way of adj
dressing her, made strange impression
on the young girl.
WHO are you?" she demanded.
"A friend, y said the knight. taking hel
hand which he placed on his arm to assis
her in descending the steps.
Shall | see your face ?"
The knight shook his head.
shall l not know you 20
Yes, hope 500
The incognito spoke very low and seem
ed to wish to disguise his voice.
, when shall l see you 2"
Every time that you may need me-.
Did you know me before to-day ~
Yes
The soiree was prolonged and very bril-
liant. Laura had all the honor of the fete
but she was absorbed in the knight, the
thought of whom captivated her imagina
. ton.
'Why did you take the name of KnIgh
of Hope p asked she of him at momen
when he was near her.
because have hope in my heart.
"Of what 20 said Laura. without think
ing Of the strangeness of her question.
ITO be loved, said the knight, bendin,
towards the young girl.
Through the visor, Laura encounters
the earnest look of two black eyes whicl
completed the meaning of the knight.
when will you uncover your face ?"
'When my hope shall be realized.''
but how will you make yoursel
known ?''
THAT is my secret
Laura was more and more puzzled. Sh
thought that these remarks, in keepin
with the knightly costume of him who ad
dressed them to her, had perhaps no seri
GUS import and that it was wise not to pa
any special attention to them.
s She found herself for moment near
t window. She perceived the knight on tn
7 terrace. Believing himself to be alone
y he had raised his visor to breathe NOR
J, freely. Laura did not distinguish his es
q lures in the darkness. but he seemed t
4 her to be young and very handsome. H
5 turned. SAW Der and Immediately let hi
q wiser fall. She had no further opportun
Q ty of speaking to him, as the hour was late