He looked gracefully round, first lowering his lance in front of the
king's pavilion, and afterwards to the fair dames who crowded the
galleries on each side. Whether from accident or design his eyes rested
on Isabella with a strong expression of earnestness rather than
curiosity. Doubtless, the noble representatives of the house of Lathom
excited no slight interest among the spectators, and the young hero
might have formed some yet undeveloped anticipations on this head.
She blushed deeply at this public and unexpected notice. The
recollection of her dream made the full tide of feeling set in at once
in this direction, much to her consternation and dismay; but when,
happening to turn hastily round, a silken bandage, loosened by the
sudden movement from some part of her dress, was carried off by the wind
and deposited within the lists, she was greatly embarrassed; and her
confusion was not a little increased as the young gallant with great
dexterity transferred it to the point of his lance. At this choice of
his "lady love," a loud shout arose from the multitude; and Isabella,
now the object of universal regard, would have retired, but that the
density of the crowd, and the inconvenient structure of the building,
rendered it impossible.
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