Oh, I shall loathe my lips forever! But you--how brave you were, and how quick! How meek for yourself, and how bold for a stranger! If I were a man, I should wish to do what you have done." "It was a small thing," he answered, with a tingle of pleasure at these sweet words of praise.

"But you--what will you do ?" "There is a great oak near here, and I think that Bertrand will bring the horses there, for it is an old hunting-tryst of ours.

Then hey for home, and no more hawking to-day! A twelve-mile gallop will dry feet and skirt." "But your father ?" "Not one word shall I tell him.

You do not know him; but I can tell you he is not a man to disobey as I have disobeyed him.

He would avenge me, it is true, but it is not to him that I shall look for vengeance.