"It is a habit of mine, mademoiselle - as witnesses the case of
Chatellerault." She shivered at the mention of his name. It
reminded her of precisely such another bargain that three nights
ago she had made. Precisely, did I say? Well, not quite precisely.

"I - I promise to marry you, then," said she in a choking voice,
"whenever you choose, after my father shall have been set at liberty."

I bowed. "I shall start at once," said I.

And perhaps out of shame, perhaps out of - who shall say what
sentiments? - I turned without another word and left her.




CHAPTER XX

THE "BRAVI" AT BLAGNAC


I was glad to be in the open once more - glad of the movement, as I
rode at the head of my brave company along the bank of the Garonne
and in the shade of the golden, autumn-tinted trees.

I was in a measure angry with myself that I had driven such a bargain
with Roxalanne, in a measure angry with her that she had forced me
to it by her obstinacy. A fine gentleman I, on my soul, to have
dubbed Chatellerault a cheat for having done no worse than I had now