Lady Clare was in her garden overlooking the sea. It was a summer's day, and the many coloured butterflies flitted about under the trees and among the sweet smelling flowers.

Lady Clare was combing her golden tresses with an ivory comb, seated on a crimson velvet cushion. She looked towards the sea, and she saw a gallant fleet making for the land.

He who was in command stepped on shore. He was a belted knight, but his features could not be seen as his vizor was down.

Approaching Lady Clare, he saluted her, and she thus addressed him—

"Hast thou, noble knight, seen my husband, who bid me good-bye many years ago when he sailed for the Holy Land?"

"I know not thy husband, fair lady. By what should I know him?"