Pursuit of the Sun 1.2

the sympathies of most ladies, including Ida, are on Gautier's side

I had no doubt that at night she fondles her pea thinking of Gautier, and not of a GOOD KIND AND SENSITIVE MAN.   

-- With great pleasure! 
Turning his gray stallion, mighty and tall to match its owner, Gautier rushes toward Cassius, his scarlet cloak unfurling in the wind. After three clashes it becomes obvious to Cassius: he withstands blows better than his opponent, he is also inferior in handling the lance, but he wins in mastery of the shield. Alas, along with this comes the realization that he is vastly inferior to the scarlet one in strength and charisma -- the sympathies of most ladies, including Ida, are on Gautier's side... With the exception of one person not shining with beauty, of spinster age, who is ready to bestow her attention upon the grim knight. 

But the common women still cheer for him! Cassius is the people's champion.

Cassius was not at all surprised that the sympathies of women and the crowd were on the side of the Scarlet Knight. The Legranian knew well how to appreciate beauty not only in women, but also in men. But not in the sense that perverted minds might think. "Perhaps those sages are right. Competing with such a man for attention is like trying to drink a lake dry." As for Ida, Cassius understood from their very first meeting that she did not like him. If Aurelius had had enough self-respect, the girl's reaction would have stung him. But a man quite steadfast in this regard as well, he merely calmly showed respect to Gautier for the warm-up. After which he rode up to the lady who had bestowed her attention upon him. The manners and upbringing of high society did not allow him to ignore her, even though she evoked no emotions in the knight whatsoever.