Now all is set in order, quietly and peacefully; dismiss your fears and every thought that has troubled you, as things which are no more." "But you and Biorn ?" asked Gabrielle.

"On the word of a knight," replied he, "all is well there." And thereupon he began to talk over indifferent subjects with his usual ease and wit; but Gabrielle, bending towards him, said with deep emotion: "O Folko, my knight, the flower of my life, my protector and my dearest hope on earth, tell me all, if thou mayst.

But if a promise binds thee, it is different.

Thou knowest that I am of the race of Portamour, and I would ask nothing from my knight which could cast even a breath of suspicion on his spotless shield." Folko thought gravely for one instant; then looking at her with a bright smile, he said: "It is not that, Gabrielle; but canst thou bear what I have to disclose?
Wilt thou not sink down under it, as a slender fir gives way under a mass of snow ?" She raised herself somewhat proudly, and said: "I have already reminded thee of the name of my father's house.

Let me now add, that I am the wedded wife of the Baron of Montfaucon." "Then so let it be," replied Folko solemnly; "and if that must come forth openly which should ever have remained hidden in the darkness which belongs to such deeds of wickedness, at least let it come forth less fearfully with a sudden flash.