" [Sidenote: Sir Launcelot promises to aid King Bagdemagus] "Sir," said the demoiselle, "I am called Elouise the Fair, and my father is King Bagdemagus."

And the damsel Elouise said: "Let it be this way, Sir Launcelot.

So, having arranged all these matters, the damsel Elouise opened the door of that room and led Sir Launcelot out thence; and she led him through various passages and down several long flights of steps, and so brought him at last unto a certain chamber, where was his armor.

Thus Elouise the Fair aided Sir Launcelot to escape from that castle of enchantment, where else great ill might have befallen him.

And upon the day after that, which was Sunday, he set forth at about the prime of the day to go to that abbey of monks where he had appointed to meet the damsel Elouise the Fair, as aforetold.

[Illustration: Sir Launcelot and Elouise the Fair] Chapter

[Sidenote: How Sir Launcelot rode to find Elouise the Fair] Sir Launcelot rode by many highways and many byways at a very slow pace, stopping now and then when it pleased him to do so, for he took great joy in being free in the open air again.

So Sir Launcelot took great pleasure in the day and he went his way at so easy a pace that it was night-time ere he reached that abbey of monks where he was to meet Elouise the Fair.

Now that evening Elouise was sitting in a certain apartment of the abbey overlooking the court-yard, and a maiden was reading to her by the light of several waxen tapers from a book of painted pictures.

And the maiden read in a voice that was both high and clear; meanwhile, Elouise sat very still and listened to what she read.

Now while Elouise the Fair sat so, there was of a sudden the sound of a great horse coming on the stone pavement of the court below.

Therewith Elouise arose hastily and ran to the window and looked down into that court-yard.

Then Elouise gave great exclamation of joy, and clapped her hands.

[Sidenote: Elouise the Fair gives welcome to Sir Launcelot]

Then Elouise sent to him a soft robe of purple cloth of velvet, lined with fur, and Sir Launcelot put it upon him and took great comfort in it.

After that Sir Launcelot descended to where Elouise was, and he found that a fair supper had been set for his refreshment.

So he sat and ate, and Elouise the Fair herself served him.

[Sidenote: Elouise sends for King Bagdemagus]

Meanwhile she had sent for her father, King Bagdemagus, who was at that time no great distance away, and a little after Sir Launcelot had finished his supper King Bagdemagus came to that place, much wondering why Elouise had sent for him.

When King Bagdemagus came, Elouise took him by the hand and led him to Sir Launcelot, and she said: "Sire, here is a knight who, for my sake, is come to help you in this tournament upon Tuesday.

So a little after sunset Sir Launcelot and those three knights whom King Bagdemagus had chosen rode over toward the place of tourney (which was some twelve miles from the abbey where the damsel Elouise was lodged).

Unto this Sir Launcelot made reply: "Lord, I give you thanks for your courtesy, but I need no reward; for it is meet that I should have done what I could for the sake of the demoiselle Elouise the Fair, seeing that she rescued me from the mischiefs that Queen Morgana had intent to do me.