und his cloak, to protect
his head, but the sword shore through cloak and arm, so that his hand
with the glittering rings upon it fell to the floor.

Again I smote for, as both of us knew, this business was to the death,
and Deleroy fell down dead, smitten through the brain.

Kari smiled gently, and lifting the cloak, shook it out and threw it
over what had been Deleroy. Then he took my sword and while I watched
him idly, cleansed it with rushes from the floor.

Next I heard a sound from the neighbourhood of the fire, and bethinking
me of Blanche turned to speak to her, though what I was going to say God
knows for I do not.

A terrible sight met my eyes and burned itself into my very soul so that
it could never be forgot. Blanche was leaning back in the oak chair over
which flowed her long, fair locks, and the front of her robe was red. I
remembered how she had spilt the wine at the feast and thought I saw its
stain, till presently, still staring, I noted that it grew and knew it
to be caused by another wine, that of her blood. Also I noted that from
the midst of it seen in the lamplight, just beneath the snake-encircled
ruby heart, appeared the little handle of a dagger.

I sprang to her, but she lifted her hand and waved me back.

"Touch me not," she whispered, "I am not fit, also the thrust is mortal.
If you draw the knife I shall die at once, and first I would speak. I
would have you know that I love you and hoped to be a good wife to you.
What I said was true. That dead man tricked me with a false marriage
when I was scarcely more than a child, and afterwards he would not
mend it with an honest. Perchance he himself was wed, or he had other
reasons, I do not know. My father guessed much but not all. I tried
to warn you when you offered yourself, but you were deaf and blind and
would not see or listen. Then I gave way, liking you well and thinking
that I should find rest, as indeed I do; thinking also that I should be
wealthy and able to shut that villain's mouth with gold. I never knew
he was coming here or even that he had sailed home from France, but he
broke in upon me, having learned that you were away, and was about to
leave when you returned. He came for money for which he believed that
I had wed, and thinking to win me back from one doomed by his lies to a
traitor's death. You know the rest, and for me there was but one thing
to do. Be glad that you are no longer burdened with me and go find
happiness