I have finished." As he heard these words Sir John's swarthy face grew pale and for a little while his rage died down.

Then it flared up again.
"Don't dream to frighten me with your spells, old wizard," he said.
"I'm a hale man yet, though I do lose my breath at times when my mind is vexed with wrongs, and I'll square my own account with God without your help or counsel.

So you'll not give me my daughter ?" "Nay, here she bides in sanctuary for so long as it shall please her." "Does she in truth?
Perhaps you married her to this merchant fellow ere he rode this morning." "Nay, Sir John, they betrothed themselves before the altar and in presence of his kin, no more.

Moreover, if you would know, because of your son's blood which runs between them I, after thought and prayer, speaking in the name of the Church, swore them to this penance--that for a year from yesterday they should not wed nor play the part of lovers." "I thank you, priest, for this small grace," answered Sir John, with a bitter laugh, "and in my turn I swear this, that after the year they shall not wed, since the one of them will be clay and the other the wife of the man whom I have chosen.

Now, play no tricks on me, lest I burn this sanctuary of yours about your head and throw your old carcass to roast among the flames." Sir Andrew made no reply, only, resting his long sword on the threshold, he leant upon its hilt, and fixed his clear grey eyes upon Clavering's face.