folding his hands. Then he added 'Far be it from me to blame those
who have drawn the sword for the faith; yet, Lady, it would not be
even thus with your peasants; they might not follow you.'

'Then,' said Eustacie, with flashing eyes, 'they would be
traitors.'

'Not to the King,' said the pastor, gently. 'Also, Lady, how will
it be with their homes and families--the hearths that have given
you such faithful shelter?'

'The women would take to the woods,' readily answered she; 'it is
summer-time, and they should be willing to bear something for my
sake. I should grieve indeed,' she added, 'if my uncle misused
them. They have been very good to me, but then they belong to me.'

'Ah! Lady, put from you that hardening belief of seigneurs. Think
what their fidelity deserves from their Lady.'

'I will be good to them! I do love them! I will be their very
good mistress,' said Eustacie, her eyes filling.

'The question is rather of forbearing than of doing,' said the
minister.

'But what would you have me do?' asked Eustacie, petulantly.

'This, Lady. I gather that you would not return to your
relations.'