hey admitted boldly. Thereon his Grace, who
was beside himself with rage, said that in a time of war, when every man
was needed to fight the French, he was determined by a signal example
to put a stop to the shedding of blood in these private feuds. So he
ordered the merchant to the block, and his henchman, the archer, to
the gallows, giving them but one hour to make their peace with God.
Moreover," he went on, searching her cold impassive face with his eyes,
"I did not escape his wrath, for he gave command that I was to be seized
wherever I might be found and cast into prison till I could be put
upon my trial, and my knights with me. Of your father's case he is
considering since his only son has been slain and he holds him in
regard. Therefore it is that I am obliged to avoid London and take
refuge here."

Still Eve remained silent, and in his heart Acour cursed her
stubbornness.

"Lady," he proceeded, though with somewhat less assurance--for now he
must leave lies and get to pleading, and never did a suit seem more
hopeless, "these things being so through no fault of mine whose hands
are innocent of any share in this young man's end, I come to pray of
you, the sword of death having cut all your oaths, that you will have
pity on my love and take me as your husband, as is your father's wish
and my heart's desire. Let not your young life be swallowed up in grief,
but make it joyous in my company. I can give you greatness, I can give
you wealth, but most of all I can give you such tender adoration as
never woman had before. Oh! sweet Eve, your answer," and he cast himself
upon the ground before her, and, snatching the hem of her robe, pressed
it to his lips.

Then at length Eve spoke in a voice that rang like steel:

"Get you gone, knave, whose spurs should be hacked from your heels by
scullions. Get you gone, traitor and liar, for well I know that Hugh de
Cressi is not dead, who had a certain tale to tell of you to the King of
England. Get you back to the Duke of Normandy and there ask the price of
your betrayal of your liege lord, Edward, and show him the plans of our
eastern coast and the shores where his army may land in safety."

Acour sprang to his feet and his face went white as ashes. Thrice he
strove to speak but could not. Then with a curse he turned and left the
chamber.

"The hunt's up," said Father Nicholas when he had heard all this tale
a little later, "and now, lord, I think that you had better