Let him take the chessmen back with him; I would on no account rob him of them.

I can well understand that he does not care to part with such masterpieces of his art; and that he would not appraise them by their worth in gold only shows that he is a true artist, as doubtless also he is a true soldier." The words were spoken with a gracious courtesy; the clear, cold tone of her habitual manner just marking in them still the difference of caste between her and the man for whom she interceded, as she would equally have interceded for a dog who should have been threatened with the lash because he had displeased her.

That very tone struck a sharper blow to Cecil than the insolence of his commander had power to deal him.

His face flushed a little; he lifted his cap to her with a grave reverence, and moved away.
"I thank you, madame.

Keep them, if you will so far honor me." The words reached only her ear.