Yet still he kept silence.
At length the Prioress spoke.
"So it is you," she said.
"Yes," said the Knight, "it is I." Wroth with her own poor heart because it thrilled at his voice, the Prioress spoke with anger.
"How did you dare to force your way into this sacred cloister ?" The Knight smiled.

"I have yet to find the thing I dare not do." "Why are you not with your wife ?" demanded the Prioress; and her tone was terrible.
"I am with my wife," replied the Knight.

"The only wife I have ever wanted, the only woman I shall ever wed, is here." "Coward!" cried the Prioress, white with anger.

"Traitor!" She leaned forward, clenching her hands upon the lions' heads.

"Liar! You wedded your cousin, Alfrida, less than one year after you went from me." "Cease to be angry," said the Knight.