'My Jehane, my Jehane, who dares-- ?' Gilles touched him on the shoulder, and he turned like lightning with Jehane held fast.

His breath came quick and short through his nose: Gilles believed his last hour at hand, but made the most of it.
'What now, dog ?' thus the lean Richard.
'Set down the lady, my lord,' said doughty Gilles.

'She is promised to me.' 'Heart of God, what is this ?' He held back his head, like a snake, that he might see what he would strike at.

'Is it true, girl ?' Jehane looked up from his shoulder, where she had been hiding her face.

She could not speak, but she nodded.
'It is true?
Thou art promised ?' 'I am promised, my lord,' said Jehane.