Your love I have won, but that you may foster no doubts of my intentions, I have paid my wager and acknowledge defeat.
I have made over to Chatellerault and to his heirs for all time my estates of Bardelys." Oh, I had rehearsed it in my mind, and I was confident--I knew--that I should win her.

And now--the disclosure of that shameful traffic coming from other lips than mine had ruined everything by forestalling my avowal.
Rodenard should pay for it--by God, he should! Once again did I become a prey to the passion of anger which I have ever held to be unworthy in a gentleman, but to which it would seem that I was growing accustomed to give way.

The ostler was mounting the steps at the moment.

He carried in his hand a stout horsewhip with a long knotted thong.

Hastily muttering a "By your leave," I snatched it from him and sprang into the room.
My intendant was still talking of me.