Listen, Christopher," he added, with earnestness, but in a kindly voice.

"Believe me, I like you well, and would not give you pain, or the maid yonder, if I could help it.

Yet I have no choice.

I am threatened on all sides by priest and king, and you have lost your heritage.

She is the only jewel that I can pawn, and for your own safety's sake and her children's sake, must marry well.