Ermengarde wrenched the weapon from his
hands. Before he could seize it again the Queen darted away and took
refuge in her chamber, where she fell fainting on the floor.

It was her daughter Alix, the fair and the wise, who raised her up and
brought her back to consciousness; then heard with shame the tale she
had to tell. 'How could you speak so to my uncle, the best man that
ever wore a sword?' asked Alix. 'It was he who made you Queen of
France, and the words that you uttered must have been taught you by
devils.'

'Yes, my daughter, you say truth,' answered the Queen, 'I have done
ill, and if it rests with me I will make peace with my brother'; and
she wept over her wicked speech, while Alix, red and white as the
roses in May, went down into the hall, where the Franks were still
whispering together, and calling curses on the head of William.

They all rose as the maiden entered; Aimeri, her grandfather, took her
in his arms, and her four uncles kissed her cheek. Her presence seemed
to calm the anger and trouble which before had reigned throughout the
hall, and Ermengarde flung herself at William's feet and besought his
pardon for the Queen. William raised his mother from her knees, but
his anger was not soothed. 'I have no love for the King,' he said,
'and before night I will break his pride,' and he stood where he had
been always standing, his face red with wrath, leaning on his naked
sword. Not a sound was heard, and the eyes of all were fixed
breathlessly upon William. Then in her turn Alix stepped forward and
knelt at his feet. 'Punish me in my mother's place,' said she, 'and
cut off my head if you will, or send me into exile, but let there be
peace, I pray you, between you and my father and mother. Her ill words
towards you did not come from her heart, but were put into her mouth
by devils.'

At the voice of Alix William's wrath melted, but at first he would
promise nothing. 'Fair son William,' said Ermengarde again, 'be
content. The King will do what you desire, and will aid you to the
uttermost.'

'Yes, I will aid you,' answered the King.

So peace was made, the Queen was fetched, and they all sat down to a
great feast.

In this manner the pride of the King was broken.

[Illustration: The Lady Alix stays the wrath of William-Shortnose]

But when one man is shifty and another is hasty wrath is not apt to
slumber long, and treaties of peace are easier made than kept. When
the feast was over William