So should my wager be dissolved. And then
in a flash I saw how they would sneer one and all, and how they
would think that I had caught avidly at this opportunity of
freeing myself from an undertaking into which a boastful mood had
lured me. The fear of that swept aside my momentary hesitation.
"Sire," I answered, bending my head contritely, "I am desolated
that my inclinations should run counter to your wishes, but to your
wonted kindness and clemency I must look for forgiveness if these
same inclinations drive me so relentlessly that I may not now
turn back."
He caught me viciously by the arm and looked sharply into my
face.
"You defy me, Bardelys?" he asked, in a voice of anger.
"God forbid, Sire!" I answered quickly. "I do but pursue my
destiny."
He took a turn in silence, like a man who is mastering himself
before he will speak. Many an eye, I knew, was upon us, and not
a few may have been marvelling whether already Bardelys were about
to share the fate that yesterday had overtaken his rival
Chatellerault. At last he halted at my side again.
"Marcel," said he, but though he used that name his voice was harsh,
"go home and ponder what I have said. If you value my favour, if
you desire my love, you will abandon this journey and the suit you
contemplate. If, on the other hand, you persist in going - you
need not return. The Court of France has no room for gentlemen who
are but lip-servers, no place for courtiers who disobey their King.
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