"How will he ever forgive himself?
Had he known that our preserver was with that party he would have cut off his right hand before he would have--" "Led his tenants to attack us.

He could not tell, countess, and now I hope that you will give your retainers orders to treat my men with hospitality.

At present my four troopers and your men are glowering at each other in the hall like wolves and dogs ready to spring at each other's throats." The countess at once went out into the hall.

The servants had now armed themselves, and, led by the majordomo, were standing in readiness to attack the dragoons on the termination of the colloquy between the officer and their mistress.
"Lay aside your arms, men," the countess said imperiously.

"These men are the count's guests.