So should my wager be dissolved.

And then in a flash I saw how they would sneer one and all, and how they would think that I had caught avidly at this opportunity of freeing myself from an undertaking into which a boastful mood had lured me.

The fear of that swept aside my momentary hesitation.
"Sire," I answered, bending my head contritely, "I am desolated that my inclinations should run counter to your wishes, but to your wonted kindness and clemency I must look for forgiveness if these same inclinations drive me so relentlessly that I may not now turn back." He caught me viciously by the arm and looked sharply into my face.
"You defy me, Bardelys ?" he asked, in a voice of anger.
"God forbid, Sire!" I answered quickly.

"I do but pursue my destiny." He took a turn in silence, like a man who is mastering himself before he will speak.

Many an eye, I knew, was upon us, and not a few may have been marvelling whether already Bardelys were about to share the fate that yesterday had overtaken his rival Chatellerault.