12/19 You have won both the maid and the wager, and, by the Mass, you shall enjoy both." "Helas, Sire," I sighed again, "when the lady comes to know of the wager--" "Waste no time in telling her, Marcel, and cast yourself upon her mercy. When woman loves, she can be very merciful; leastways, they tell me so." Then, his thoughts shifting ground once more, he grew stern again. What shall we do with him ?" "It is for Your Majesty to decide." "For me ?" he cried, his voice resuming the harshness that was never far from it. "I have a fancy for having gentlemen about me. |