Then she wept , but we were alone . ' The knight was silent for a long time , his face turned across the valley , smiling . ` Oh , well done ! ' said Una , and clapped her hands very softly . ` She was sorry , and she said so . ' ` Aye , she was sorry , and she said so , ' said Sir Richard , coming back with a little start . ` Very soon -- but he said it was two full hours later -- De Aquila rode to the door , with his shield new scoured -LRB- Hugh had cleansed it -RRB- , and demanded entertainment , and called me a false knight , that would starve his overlord to death . Then Hugh cried out that no man should work in the valley that day , and our Saxons blew horns , and set about feasting and drinking , and running of races , and dancing and singing ; and De Aquila climbed upon a horse-block and spoke to them in what he swore was good Saxon , but no man understood it . At night we feasted in the Great Hall , and when the harpers and the singers were gone we four sat late at the high table . As I remember , it was a warm night with a full moon , and De Aquila bade Hugh take down his sword from the wall again , for the honour of the Manor of Dallington , and Hugh took it gladly enough . Dust lay on the hilt , for I saw him blow it off . ` She and I sat talking a little apart , and at first we thought the harpers had come back , for the Great Hall was filled with a rushing noise of music . De Aquila leaped up ; but there was only the moonlight fretty on the floor . ' `` Hearken ! '' said Hugh . `` It is my sword , '' and as he belted it on the music ceased . ' `` Over Gods , forbid that I should ever belt blade like that , '' said De Aquila . `` What does it foretell ? '' ' `` The Gods that made it may know . Last time it spoke was at Hastings , when I lost all my lands .
Belike it sings now that I have new lands and am a man again , '' said XXXXX .
Aquila Aye Dallington Hall Hugh Saxons Una fretty horse-block overlord