so I waited; confident and strong. Last evening near
sundown the Abbot Aldam came; and as I saw him, all bedraggled, cross
the courtyard on foot and unattended, I felt that my deliverance was
near. No one of his rank and station would travel so, except his life
were jeopardized, and I cried out in joy at his undoing. Then I sent
for Gorges and learned the Abbot's tale--that he had escaped by the
passage used for me, and that you were even then at Kirkstall.

"'To-morrow's sun will see Sir Aymer before the barbican, my lady,' he
said. 'And though we shall hold the castle to the final stroke, yet it
will be a losing fight; for we are few in number, and when one falls
there will not be another to step into his place. And so will it be
that you have seen the last of Simon Gorges, whose greatest shame is to
have been your jailer.'

"He bowed awkwardly and was going when I stopped him.

"'Your lord and the Abbot of Kirkstall can learn courtesy and chivalry
from you,' I said. 'But what profit can your death be to Lord Darby?
When I am found here, his end is sure. So when the last hope is
gone--the castle lost--promise me that if quarter be offered, you will
not let it pass; take your life and you shall have service under me.'

"He was embarrassed by my praise and earnestness. 'Your ladyship is
gracious; yet must I think upon the matter,' he stammered; and hurried
out as though afraid I might persuade him more.

"Therefore, dear, as on the stairway I heard him accept mercy on my
word, you will grant it to him?"

"He is your prisoner, sweetheart, and we will have him here," said
Aymer. "You are his judge."

Presently, with helmet in hand and bladeless scabbard by his side, but
still in his harness dinted and hacked in the recent fight, Gorges
appeared; and halting at the threshold, bowed to the Countess; then
saluting the Knight with formal motion, stood at attention.

"Flat-Nose--for by that name I know you best," said De Lacy, "you
yielded prisoner to the Countess of Clare. Advance and receive your
sentence."

Gorges came forward and knelt at her feet in silence.

"Simon," said Beatrix, "you were kind to me when most I needed
kindness; will you now take your life from me in earnest of my
gratitude?"

"That will I, my lady, and gladly," Gorges answered frankly and at once.

"And will you wear the badge of Clare and be my chief retainer?"

The soldier hesitated and glanced uncertainly at De Lacy.

"Yo