"You took me by surprise; I am not used to being handled roughly; you
forget the distance between your station and mine, you being a noble of
the Empire, and I but a serving-maid; if, in my anger, I spoke in a
manner unbecoming one so humble, I do beseech that your Lordship pardon
me."

"Now by the Cross to which you appealed, how long will you stand
chattering there? Think you I am made of adamant, and not of flesh and
blood? My garments are tattered at best, I would in woman's company
they were finer, and this cross of Genoa red hangs to my tunic, but by
a few frail threads. Beware, therefore, that I tear it not from my
breast as you advised, and cast it from me."

Beatrix lifted one frightened glance to the young man's face and saw
standing on his brow great drops of sweat. His right hand grasped the
upper portion of the velvet cross, partly detached from his doublet,
and he looked loweringly upon her. Swiftly she smote the door twice
with her hand and instantly the portal opened as far as the chain would
allow it. Count Herbert noticed that in the interval, three other
chains had been added to the one that formerly had baffled his sword.
The girl, like a woodland pigeon, darted underneath the lower chain,
and although the prisoner took a rapid step forward, the door, with
greater speed, closed and was bolted.

The Count had requested the girl to be gone, and surely should have
been contented now that she had withdrawn herself, yet so shifty a
thing is human nature, that no sooner were his commands obeyed than he
began to bewail their fulfilment. He accused himself of being a double
fool, first, for not holding her when he had her; and secondly, having