Such a man, if forced to choose between the woman and the idea, will ever decide for the woman after he has married her, sacrificing what--however much he hides it--lies behind all.

But he alone knows what he has sacrificed.

For it is in the order of things that the great man shall be first the maker of kingdoms and homes, and then the husband of his wife and a begetter of children.

Iberville knew that this woman was not more to him than the feeling just come to him, but he knew also that while the one remained the other would also.
He stood up and folded his arms, looking into the silence and mist.

His hand mechanically dropped to his sword, and he glanced up proudly to the silver flag with its golden lilies floating softly on the slight breeze they made as they passed.
"The sword!" he said under his breath.