Then others took up that cry of "Shame!" so that at last I paused and stood there drawn up to my full height, as if in challenge.

Towering above the heads of any in that room, I held my whip menacingly.

I was unused to criticism, and their expressions of condemnation roused me.
"Who questions my right ?" I demanded arrogantly, whereupon they one and all fell silent.

"If any here be bold enough to step out, he shall have my answer." Then, as none responded, I signified my contempt for them by a laugh.
"Monseigneur!" wailed Rodenard at my feet, his voice growing feeble.
By way of answer, I gave him a final cut, then I flung the whip-- which had grown ragged in the fray--back to the ostler from whom I had borrowed it.
"Let that suffice you, Rodenard," I said, touching him with my foot.
"See that I never set eyes upon you again, if you cherish your miserable life!" "Not that, monseigneur." groaned the wretch.

"Oh, not that! You have punished me; you have whipped me until I cannot stand; forgive me, monseigneur, forgive me now!" "I have forgiven you, but I never wish to see you again, lest I should forget that I have forgiven you.