\"Bertradehashadyournameuponhertonguemanytimessinceherreturn。
Shewillbegladindeedtoreceiveyou，asisherfather。Shehastoldusofyourvaliantespousalofhercause，andthethanksofherbrothersandmotherawaityou，RogerdeConde。
\"ShealsotoldusofyourstrangelikenesstoPrinceEdward，butuntilI
sawyou，Icouldnotbelievetwomencouldbebornofdifferentmothersandyetbesoidentical。Come，wewillseekoutmydaughterandhermother。\"
DeMontfortledtheyoungmantoasmallchamberwheretheyweregreetedbyPrincessEleanor，hiswife，andbyBertradedeMontfort。ThegirlwasfranklygladtoseehimoncemoreandlaughinglychidehimbecausehehadallowedanothertousurphisprerogativeandrescueherfromPeterofColfax。
\"Andtothink，\"shecried，\"thatitshouldhavebeenNormanofTornwhofulfilledyourdutiesforyou。ButhedidnotcaptureSirPeter’shead，myfriend；thatisstillatlargetobebroughttomeuponagoldendish。\"
\"Ihavenotforgotten，LadyBertrade，\"saidRogerdeConde。\"PeterofColfaxwillreturn。\"
Thegirlglancedathimquickly。
\"TheverywordsoftheOutlawofTorn，\"shesaid。\"Howmanymenbeye，RogerdeConde？Withraisedvisor，youcouldpassintheKing’scourtfortheKing’sson；andinmanner，andform，andswordsmanship，andyourvisorlowered，youmighteasilybehangedforNormanofTorn。\"
\"AndwhichwoulditpleaseyemostthatIbe？\"helaughed。
\"Neither，\"sheanswered，\"Ibesatisfiedwithmyfriend，RogerdeConde。\"
\"SoyelikenottheDevilofTorn？\"heasked。
\"Hehasdonemeagreatservice，andIbeundermonstrousobligationstohim，buthebe，nathless，theOutlawofTornandIthedaughterofanearlandaking’ssister。\"
\"Amostunbridgeablegulfindeed，\"commentedRogerdeConde，drily。\"Notevengratitudecouldleadaking’sniecetoreceiveNormanofTornonafootingofequality。\"
\"Hehasmyfriendship，always，\"saidthegirl，\"butIdoubtmeifNormanofTornbethemantoimposeuponit。\"
\"Onecannevertell，\"saidRogerdeConde，\"whatmanneroffoolamanmaybe。Whenaman’sheadbefilledwithaprettyface，whatroombethereforreason？\"
\"Soonthouwiltbeacourtier，ifthoukeeplongatthisturningofprettycompliments，\"saidthegirlcoldly；\"andIlikenotcourtiers，northeirempty，hypocriticalchatter。\"
Themanlaughed。
\"IfIturnedacompliment，Ididnotknowit，\"hesaid。\"WhatIthink，I
say。Itmaynotbeacourtlyspeechoritmay。Iknownothingofcourtsandcareless，butbeitmanormaidtowhomIspeak，IsaywhatisinmymindorIsaynothing。Ididnot，insomanywords，saythatyouarebeautiful，butIthinkitnevertheless，andyecannotbeangrywithmypooreyesiftheydeceivemeintobelievingthatnofairerwomanbreathestheairofEngland。Norcanyouchidemysinfulbrainthatitgladlybelieveswhatmineeyestellit。No，youmaynotbeangrysolongasIdonottellyouallthis。\"
BertradedeMontfortdidnotknowhowtoanswersoridiculousasophistry；
and，truthtotell，shewasmorethanpleasedtohearfromthelipsofRogerdeCondewhatboredheronthetonguesofothermen。
DeCondewastheguestoftheEarlofLeicesterforseveraldays，andbeforehisvisitwasterminated，theyoungmanhadsowonhiswayintothegoodgracesofthefamilythattheywereloathtoseehimleave。
Althoughdeniedthesocietyofsuchasthesethroughouthisentirelife，yetitseemedthathefellasnaturallyintothewaysoftheirkindasthoughhehadalwaysbeenamongthem。Hisstarvedsoul，gropingthroughthedarknessoftheemptypast，yearnedtowardthefeastingandthelightoffriendship，andurgedhimtoturnhisbackupontheoldlife，andremaineverwiththesepeople，forSimondeMontforthadofferedtheyoungmanapositionoftrustandhonorinhisretinue。
\"Whyrefusedyoutheofferofmyfather？\"saidBertradetohimashewascometobidherfarewell。\"SimondeMontfortisasgreatamaninEnglandastheKinghimself，andyourfuturewereassureddidyouattachyourselftohisperson。ButwhatamIsaying！DidRogerdeCondenotwishtobeelsewhere，hehadacceptedand，ashedidnotaccept，itisproofpositivethathedoesnotwishtobideamongtheDeMontforts。\"
\"Iwouldgivemysoultothedevil，\"saidNormanofTorn，\"woulditbuymetherighttoremaineveratthefeetofBertradeMontfort。\"
Heraisedherhandtohislipsinfarewellashestartedtospeak，butsomething——wasitanalmostimperceptiblepressureofherlittlefingers，aquickeningofherbreathoraswayingofherbodytowardhim？——causedhimtopauseandraisehiseyestohers。
Foraninstanttheystoodthus，theeyesofthemansinkingdeepintotheeyesofthemaid，andthenhersclosedandwithalittlesighthatwashalfgasp，sheswayedtowardhim，andtheDevilofTornfoldedtheKing’snieceinhismightyarmsandhislipsplacedthesealofagreatloveuponthosethatwereupturnedtohim。
Thetouchofthosepurelipsbroughtthemantohimself。
\"Ah，Bertrade，myBertrade，\"hecried，\"whatisthisthingthatIhavedone！Forgiveme，andletthegreatnessandthepurityofmyloveforyoupleadinextenuationofmyact。\"
Shelookedupintohisfaceinsurprise，andthenplacingherstrongwhitehandsuponhisshoulders，shewhispered：
\"See，Roger，Iamnotangry。Itisnotwrongthatwelove；tellmeitisnot，Roger。\"
\"Youmustnotsaythatyouloveme，Bertrade。Iamacoward，acravenpoltroon；but，God，howIloveyou。\"
\"But，\"saidthegirl，\"Idolove——\"
\"Stop，\"hecried，\"notyet，notyet。DonotsayittillIcomeagain。Youknownothingofme，youdonotknowevenwhoIbe；butwhennextIcome，I
promisethatyeshallknowasmuchofmeasImyselfknow，andthen，Bertrade，myBertrade，ifyoucanthensay，’Iloveyou’nopoweronearth，orinheavenabove，orhellbelowshallkeepyoufrombeingmine！\"
\"Iwillwait，Roger，forIbelieveinyouandtrustyou。Idonotunderstand，butIknowthatyoumusthavesomegoodreason，thoughitallseemsverystrangetome。IfI，aDeMontfort，amwillingtoacknowledgemyloveforanyman，therecanbenoreasonwhyIshouldnotdoso，unless，\"andshestartedatthesuddenthought，wide-eyedandpaling，\"unlesstherebeanotherwoman，a——a——wife？\"
\"Thereisnootherwoman，Bertrade，\"saidNormanofTorn。\"Ihavenowife；
norwithinthelimitsofmymemoryhavemylipseverbeforetouchedthelipsofanother，forIdonotremembermymother。\"
Shesighedahappylittlesighofrelief，andlaughinglightly，said：
\"Itissomeoldwoman’sbugaboothatyouarehalingoutofadarkcornerofyourimaginationtofrightenyourselfwith。Idonotfear，sinceIknowthatyoumustbeallgood。Therebenolineofviceordeceptionuponyourfaceandyouareverybrave。Sobraveandnobleaman，Roger，hasaheartofpuregold。\"
\"Don’t，\"hesaid，bitterly。\"Icannotendureit。WaituntilIcomeagainandthen，ohmyflowerofallEngland，ifyouhaveitinyourhearttospeakasyouarespeakingnow，thesunofmyhappinesswillbeatzenith。
Then，butnotbefore，shallIspeaktotheEarl，thyfather。Farewell，Bertrade，inafewdaysIreturn。\"
\"IfyouwouldspeaktotheEarlonsuchasubject，youinsolentyoungpuppy，youmaysaveyourbreath，\"thunderedanangryvoice，andSimondeMontfortstrode，scowling，intotheroom。
Thegirlpaled，butnotfromfearofherfather，forthefightingbloodoftheDeMontfortswasasstronginherasinhersire。Shefacedhimwithasbraveandresoluteafaceasdidtheyoungman，whoturnedslowly，fixingDeMontfortwithlevelgaze。
\"IheardenoughofyourwordsasIwaspassingthroughthecorridor，\"
continuedthelatter，\"toreadilyguesswhathadgonebefore。Soitisforthisthatyouhavewormedyoursneakingwayintomyhome？AndthoughtyouthatSimondeMontfortwouldthrowhisdaughterattheheadofthefirstpassingrogue？Whobeye，butanamelessrascal？Foraughtweknow，somelowbornlackey。Getyehence，andbeonlythankfulthatIdonotaidyouwiththetoeofmybootwhereitwoulddothemostgood。\"
\"Stop！\"criedthegirl。\"Stop，father，hastforgotthatbutforRogerdeCondeyemighthaveseenyourdaughteracorpseerenow，or，worse，herselfbefouledanddishonored？\"
\"Idonotforget，\"repliedtheEarl，\"and。itisbecauseIrememberthatmyswordremainsinitsscabbard。ThefellowhasbeenamplyrepaidbythefriendshipofDeMontfort，butnowthisactofperfidyhaswipedcleanthescore。An’youwouldgoinpeace，sirrah，goquickly，ereIlosemytemper。\"
\"Therehasbeensomemisunderstandingonyourpart，MyLord，\"spokeNormanofTorn，quietlyandwithoutapparentangerorexcitement。\"Yourdaughterhasnottoldmethatshelovesme，nordidIcontemplateaskingyouforherhand。WhennextIcome，firstshallIseeherandifshewillhaveme，MyLord，IshallcometoyoutotellyouthatIshallwedher。Norm——RogerdeCondeaskspermissionofnomantodowhathewoulddo。\"
SimondeMontfortwasfairlyburstingwithragebuthemanagedtocontrolhimselftosay，\"MydaughterwedswhomIselect，andevennowIhavepracticallyclosednegotiationsforherbetrothaltoPrincePhilip，nephewofKingLouisofFrance。Andasforyou，sir，IwouldasliefseeherthewifeoftheOutlawofTorn。He，atleast，haswealthandpower，andanamethatbeknownoutsidehisownarmor。Butenoughofthis；getyougone，norletmeseeyourfaceagainwithinthewallsofLeicester’scastle。\"
\"Youareright，MyLord，itwerefoolishandidleforustobequarrelingwithwords，\"saidtheoutlaw。\"Farewell，MyLady。IshallreturnasI
promised，andyourwordshallbelaw。\"AndwithaprofoundbowtoDeMontfort，NormanofTornlefttheapartment，andinafewminuteswasridingthroughthecourtyardofthecastletowardthemainportals。
Ashepassedbeneathawindowinthecastlewall，avoicecalledtohimfromabove，anddrawinginhishorse，helookedupintotheeyesofBertradedeMontfort。
\"Takethis，RogerdeConde，\"shewhispered，droppingatinyparceltohim，\"andwearitever，formysake。Wemaynevermeetagain，fortheEarlmyfather，isamightyman，noteasilyturnedfromhisdecisions；thereforeI
shallsaytoyou，RogerdeConde，whatyouforbidmysaying。Iloveyou，andbeyeprinceorscullion，youmayhaveme，ifyoucanfindthemeanstotakeme。\"
\"Wait，mylady，untilIreturn，thenshallyoudecide，andifyebeofthesamemindastoday，neverfearbutthatIshalltakeye。Again，farewell。\"
Andwithabravesmilethathidasadheart，NormanofTornpassedoutofthecastleyard。
WhenheundidtheparcelwhichBertradehadtossedtohim，hefoundthatitcontainedabeautifullywroughtringsetwithasingleopal。
TheOutlawofTornraisedthelittlecirclettohislips，andthenslippedituponthethirdfingerofhislefthand。
CHAPTERXII
NormanofTorndidnotreturntothecastleofLeicester\"inafewdays，\"
norformanymonths。FornewscametohimthatBertradedeMontforthadbeenpostedofftoFranceinchargeofhermother。
Fromnowon，theforcesofTornwereemployedinrepeatedattacksonroyalistbarons，encroachingeverandeversouthwarduntilevenBerkshireandSurreyandSussexfelttheweightoftheironhandoftheoutlaw。
NearlyayearhadelapsedsincethatdaywhenhehadheldthefairformofBertradedeMontfortinhisarms，andinallthattimehehadheardnowordfromher。
HewouldhavefollowedhertoFrancebutforthefactthat，afterhehadpartedfromherandtheintoxicationofherimmediatepresencehadlefthisbraincleartothinkrationally，hehadrealizedthefutilityofhishopes，andhehadseenthatthepressingofhissuitcouldmeanonlysufferingandmortificationforthewomanheloved。
Hisbetterjudgmenttoldhimthatshe，onherpart，whenfreedfromthesubtlespellwovenbythenearnessandthenewnessofafirstlove，woulddoubtlessbegladtoforgetthewordsshehadspokenintheheatofadivinepassion。Hewouldwait，then，untilfatethrewthemtogether，andshouldthateverchance，whileshewasstillfree，hewouldletherknowthatRogerdeCondeandtheOutlawofTornwereoneandthesame。
Ifshewantsmethen，hethought，butshewillnot。Noitisimpossible。
ItisbetterthatshemarryherFrenchprincethantolive，dishonored，thewifeofacommonhighwayman；forthoughshemightlovemeatfirst，thebitternessandlonelinessofherlifewouldturnherlovetohate。
AstheoutlawwassittingonedayinthelittlecottageofFatherClaude，thepriestrevertedtothesubjectofmanypastconversations；theunsettledstateofcivilconditionsintherealm，andthestandwhichNormanofTornwouldtakewhenopenhostilitiesbetweenKingandbaronweredeclared。
\"ItwouldseemthatHenry，\"saidthepriest，\"byhiscontinuedbreachesofboththespiritandletteroftheOxfordStatutes，isbuturgingthebaronstoresorttoarms；andthefactthathevirtuallyforcedPrinceEdwardtotakeuparmsagainstHumphreydeBohunlastfall，andtocarrytheravagesofwarthroughouttheWelshborderprovinces，convincesmethathebe，bythistime，wellequippedtoresistDeMontfortandhisassociates。\"
\"Ifthatbethecase，\"saidNormanofTorn，\"weshallhavewarandfightinginrealearnesteremanymonths。\"
\"AndunderwhichstandarddoesMyLordNormanexpecttofight？\"askedFatherClaude。
\"Undertheblackfalcon’swing，\"laughedheofTorn。
\"Thoubeindeedaclose-mouthedman，myson，\"saidthepriest，smiling。
\"Suchanattributehelpethmakeagreatstatesman。Withthysoldierlyqualitiesinaddition，mydearboy，therebeagreatfuturefortheeinthepathsofhonestmen。Dostrememberourpasttalk？\"
\"Yes，father，well；andoftenhaveIthoughton’t。IhaveonemoredutytoperformhereinEnglandandthen，itmaybe，thatIshallactonthysuggestion，butonlyononecondition。\"
\"Whatbethat，myson？\"
\"ThatwheresoereIgo，thoumustgoalso。Thoubemybestfriend；intruth，myfather；noneotherhaveIeverknown，forthelittleoldmanofTorn，eventhoughIbetheproductofhisloins，whichImuchmistrust，benofathertome。\"
Thepriestsatlookingintentlyattheyoungmanformanyminutesbeforehespoke。
Withoutthecottage，aswarthyfigureskulkedbeneathoneofthewindows，listeningtosuchfragmentsoftheconversationwithinascametohisattentiveears。ItwasSpizo，theSpaniard。Hecrouchedentirelyconcealedbyagreatlilacbush，whichmanytimesbeforehadhidhistraitorousform。
Atlengththepriestspoke。
\"NormanofTorn，\"hesaid，\"solongasthouremaininEngland，pittingthygreathostagainstthePlantagenetKingandthenoblesandbaronsofhisrealm，thoubebutservingasthecats-pawofanother。Thyselfhastsaidanhundredtimesthatthouknowstnotthereasonforthyhatredagainstthem。Thoubetoostrongamantosothrowthylifeuselesslyawaytosatisfythecholerofanother。
\"TherebethatofwhichIdarenotspeaktotheeyetandonlymayIguessanddreamofwhatIthink，nordoIknowwhetherImusthopethatitbefalseortrue，butnow，ifever，thetimehathcomeforthequestiontobesettled。Thouhastnottoldmeinsomanywords，butIbeanoldmanandversedinreadingtruebetweenthelines，andsoIknowthatthoulovestBertradedeMontfort。Nay，donotdenyit。Andnow，whatIwouldsaybethis。InallEnglandtherelivesnomorehonorablemanthanSimondeMontfort，nornonewhocouldmoretrulydecideuponthyfutureandthypast。ThoumaynotunderstandofwhatIhint，butthouknowthatthoumaytrustme，NormanofTorn。\"
\"Yea，evenwithmylifeandhonor，myfather，\"repliedtheoutlaw。
\"Thenpromiseme，thatwiththeoldmanofTornalone，thouwiltcomehitherwhenIbidsttheeandmeetSimondeMontfort，andabidebyhisdecisionshouldmysurmisesconcerningtheebecorrect。HewillbethebestjudgeofanyinEngland，savetwowhomustnowremainnameless。\"
\"Iwillcome，Father，butitmustbesoonforonthefourthdayweridesouth。\"
\"Itshallbebythethirdday，ornotatall，\"repliedFatherClaude，andNormanofTorn，risingtoleave，wonderedatthemovingleavesofthelilacbushwithoutthewindow，fortherewasnobreeze。
Spizo，theSpaniard，reachedTornseveralminutesbeforetheoutlawchiefandhadalreadypouredhistaleintotheearsofthelittle，grim，gray，oldman。
Asthepriest’swordsweredetailedtohimtheoldmanofTornpaledinanger。
\"ThefoolpriestwillupsetthewholeworktowhichIhavedevotedneartwentyyears，\"hemuttered，\"ifIfindnotthemeanstoquiethishalf-wittongue。Betweenpriestandpetticoat，itbeallbutruinednow。Wellthen，somuchthesoonermustIact，andIknownotbutthatnowbeasgoodatimeasany。IfwecomenearenoughtotheKing’smenonthistripsouth，thegibbetshallhaveitsown，andaPlantagenetdogshalltastethefruitsofhisowntyranny，\"thenglancingupandrealizingthatSpizo，theSpaniard，hadbeenalistener，theoldman，scowling，cried：
\"WhatsaidI，sirrah？Whatdidsthear？\"
\"Naught，MyLord；thoudidstbutmutterincoherently\"，repliedtheSpaniard。
Theoldmaneyedhimclosely。
\"AndidImore，Spizo，thouheardstnaughtbutmuttering，remember。\"
\"Yes，MyLord。\"
Anhourlater，theoldmanofTorndismountedbeforethecottageofFatherClaudeandentered。
\"Iamhonored，\"saidthepriest，rising。
\"Priest，\"criedtheoldman，comingimmediatelytothepoint，\"NormanofTorntellsmethatthouwishhimandmeandLeicestertomeethere。Iknownotwhatthypurposemaybe，butfortheboy’ssake，carrynotoutthydesignasyet。Imaynottelltheemyreasons，butitbebestthatthismeetingtakeplaceafterwereturnfromthesouth。\"
TheoldmanhadneverspokensofairlytoFatherClaudebefore，andsothelatterwasquitedeceivedandpromisedtoletthematterrestuntillater。
Afewdaysafter，inthesummerof1263，NormanofTornrodeattheheadofhisarmyofoutlawsthroughthecountyofEssex，downtowardLondontown。
Onethousandfightingmentherewere，withsquiresandotherservants，andfivehundredsumpterbeaststotransporttheirtentsandotherimpedimenta，andbringbacktheloot。
Butasmallforceofailingmen-at-arms，andservantshadbeenlefttoguardthecastleofTornundertheabledirectionofPetertheHermit。
Atthecolumn’sheadrodeNormanofTornandthelittlegrim，gray，oldman；andbehindthem，ninecompaniesofknights，followedbythecatapultdetachment；thencamethesumpterbeasts。HorsantheDane，withhiscompany，formedtherearguard。Threehundredyardsinadvanceofthecolumnrodetenmentoguardagainstsurpriseandambuscades。
Thepennons，andthebannersandthebugles；andtheloudrattlingofsword，andlanceandarmorandiron-shodhoofcarriedtotheeyeandearampleassurancethatthisgreatcavalcadeofironmenwasbentuponnopeacefulmission。
AllhiscaptainsrodetodaywithNormanofTorn。Besidethosewhomwehavemet，therewasDonPiedroCastroyPensiloofSpain；BaronofCobarthofGermany，andSirJohnMandecoteofEngland。Liketheirleader，eachofthesefiercewarriorscarriedagreatpriceuponhishead，andthestoryofthelifeofanyonewouldfillalargevolumewithromance，war，intrigue，treachery，braveryanddeath。
Towardnoononeday，inthemidstofabeautifulvalleyofEssex，theycameuponapartyoftenknightsescortingtwoyoungwomen。Themeetingwasataturnintheroad，sothatthetwopartieswereuponeachotherbeforethetenknightshadanopportunitytoescapewiththeirfairwards。
\"Whatthedevilbethis，\"criedoneoftheknights，asthemainbodyoftheoutlawhordecameintoview，\"theKing’sarmyoroneofhisforeignlegions？\"
\"ItbeNormanofTornandhisfightingmen，\"repliedtheoutlaw。
Thefacesoftheknightsblanched，fortheyweretenagainstathousand，andthereweretwowomenwiththem。
\"Whobeye？\"saidtheoutlaw。
\"IamRicharddeTanyofEssex，\"saidtheoldestknight，hewhohadfirstspoken，\"andthesebemydaughterandherfriend，MarydeStutevill。WeareuponourwayfromLondontomycastle。Whatwouldyouofus？Nameyourprice，ifitcanbepaidwithhonor，itshallbepaid；onlyletusgoourwayinpeace。WecannothopetoresisttheDevilofTorn，forwebebuttenlances。Ifyemusthaveblood，atleastletthewomengounharmed。\"
\"MyLadyMaryisanoldfriend，\"saidtheoutlaw。\"Icalledatherfather’shomebutlittlemorethanayearsince。Weareneighbors，andtheladycantellyouthatwomenaresaferatthehandsofNormanofTornthantheymightbeintheKing’spalace。\"
\"Rightheis，\"spokeupLadyMary，\"NormanofTornaccordedmymother，mysister，andmyselftheutmostrespect；thoughIcannotsayasmuchforhistreatmentofmyfather，\"sheadded，halfsmiling。
\"Ihavenoquarrelwithyou，RicharddeTany，\"saidNormanofTorn。\"Rideon。\"
Thenextday，ayoungmanhailedthewatchuponthewallsofthecastleofRicharddeTany，tellinghimtobearwordtoJoandeTanythatRogerdeConde，afriendofherguestLadyMarydeStutevill，waswithout。
Inafewmoments，thegreatdrawbridgesankslowlyintoplaceandNormanofTorntrottedintothecourtyard。
HewasescortedtoanapartmentwhereMarydeStutevillandJoandeTanywerewaitingtoreceivehim。MarydeStutevillgreetedhimasanoldfriend，andthedaughterofdeTanywasnolesscordialinwelcomingherfriend’sfriendtothehospitalityofherfather’scastle。
\"AreallyouroldfriendsandneighborscomeafteryoutoEssex，\"criedJoandeTany，laughingly，addressingMary。\"TodayitisRogerdeConde，yesterdayitwastheOutlawofTorn。MethinksDerbywillsoonbedepopulatedunlessyoureturnquicklytoyourhome。\"
\"IratherthinkitbefornewsofanotherthatweowethisvisitfromRogerdeConde，\"saidMary，smiling。\"ForIhaveheardtales，andIseeagreatringuponthegentleman’shand——aringwhichIhaveseenbefore。\"
NormanofTornmadenoattempttodenythereasonforhisvisit，butaskedbluntlyifsheheardaughtofBertradedeMontfort。
\"ThricewithintheyearhaveIreceivedmissivesfromher，\"repliedMary。
\"InthefirsttwoshespokeonlyofRogerdeConde，wonderingwhyhedidnotcometoFranceafterher；butinthelastshementionsnothisname，butspeaksofherapproachingmarriagewithPrincePhilip。\"
BothgirlswerewatchingthecountenanceofRogerdeCondenarrowly，butnosignofthesorrowwhichfilledhisheartshoweditselfuponhisface。
\"Iguessitbebetterso，\"hesaidquietly。\"ThedaughterofaDeMontfortcouldscarcelybehappywithanamelessadventurer，\"headded，alittlebitterly。
\"Youwrongher，myfriend，\"saidMarydeStutevill。\"Shelovedyouand，unlessIknownotthefriendofmychildhoodaswellasIknowmyself，shelovesyouyet；butBertradedeMontfortisaproudwomanandwhatcanyouexpectwhenshehearsnowordfromyouforayear？Thoughtyouthatshewouldseekyououtandimploreyoutorescueherfromtheallianceherfatherhasmadeforher？\"
\"Youdonotunderstand，\"heanswered，\"andImaynottellyou；butIaskthatyoubelievemewhenIsaythatitwasforherownpeaceofmind，forherownhappiness，thatIdidnotfollowhertoFrance。But，letustalkofotherthings。ThesorrowismineandIwouldnotforceituponothers。
Icaredonlytoknowthatsheiswell，and，Ihope，happy。Itwillneverbegiventometomakeheroranyotherwomanso。IwouldthatIhadnevercomeintoherlife，butIdidnotknowwhatIwasdoing；andthespellofherbeautyandgoodnesswasstronguponme，sothatIwasweakandcouldnotresistwhatIhadneverknownbeforeinallmylife-love。\"
\"Youcouldnotwellbeblamed，\"saidJoandeTany，generously。\"BertradedeMontfortisallandevenmorethanyouhavesaid；itbeabenedictionsimplytohaveknownher。\"
Asshespoke，NormanofTornlookeduponhercriticallyforthefirsttime，andhesawthatJoandeTanywasbeautiful，andthatwhenshespoke，herfacelightedwithahundredlittlechangingexpressionsofintelligenceandcharacterthatcastaspelloffascinationabouther。Yes，JoandeTanywasgoodtolookupon，andNormanofTorncarriedawoundedheartinhisbreastthatlongedforsurceasefromitssufferings——forahealingbalmuponitshurtsandbruises。
Andsoitcametopassthat，formanydays，theOutlawofTornwasadailyvisitoratthecastleofRicharddeTany，andtheacquaintancebetweenthemanandthetwogirlsripenedintoadeepfriendship，andwithoneofthem，itthreatenedevenmore。
NormanofTorn，inhisignoranceofthewaysofwomen，sawonlyfriendshipinthelittleactsofJoandeTany。Hislifehadbeenahardandlonelyone。TheonlyrayofbrilliantandwarmingsunshinethathadenteredithadbeenhisloveforBertradedeMontfortandhersforhim。
Hiseverythoughtwasloyaltothewomanwhomheknewwasnotforhim，buthelongedforthecompanionshipofhisownkindandsowelcomedthefriendshipofsuchasJoandeTanyandherfairguest。Hedidnotdreamthateitherlookeduponhimwithanywarmersentimentthanthesweetfriendlinesswhichwasasnewtohimaslove——howcouldhemarkthelinebetweenorforeseetheterriblepriceofhisignorance！
MarydeStutevillsawandshethoughtthemanbutfickleandshallowinmattersoftheheart——manytherewere，sheknew，whowerethus。Shemighthavewarnedhimhadsheknownthetruth，butinstead，sheletthingsdriftexceptforasinglewordofwarningtoJoandeTany。
\"Becarefulofthyheart，Joan，\"shesaid，\"lestitbegettingawayfromtheeintothekeepingofonewhoseemstolovenolessquicklythanheforgets。\"
ThedaughterofDeTanyflushed。
\"Iamquitecapableofsafeguardingmyownheart，MarydeStutevill，\"sherepliedwarmly。\"Ifthoucovetthismanthyself，why，butsayso。Donotthinkthoughthat，becausethyheartglowsinhispresence，mineisequallysusceptible。\"
ItwasMary’sturnnowtoshowoffense，andasharpretortwasonhertonguewhensuddenlysherealizedthefollyofsuchauselessquarrel。
InsteadsheputherarmsaboutJoanandkissedher。
\"Idonotlovehim，\"shesaid，\"andIbegladthatyoudonot，forIknowthatBertradedoes，andthatbutashortyearsince，hesworeundyingloveforher。Letusforgetthatwehavespokenonthesubject。\"
ItwasatthistimethattheKing’ssoldierswereharassingthelandsoftherebelbarons，andtakingaheavytollinrevengefortheirstingingdefeatatRochesterearlierintheyear，sothatitwasscarcelysafeforsmallpartiestoventureupontheroadwayslesttheyfallintothehandsofthemercenariesofHenryIII。
Notevenwerethewivesanddaughtersofthebaronsexemptfromtheattacksoftheroyalists；anditwasnouncommonoccurrencetofindthemsufferingimprisonment，andsomethingworse，atthehandsoftheKing’ssupporters。
Andinthemidstofthesealarms，itenteredthewillfulheadofJoandeTanythatshewishedtoridetoLondontownandvisittheshopsofthemerchants。
WhileLondonitselfwassolidlyforthebaronsandagainsttheKing’sparty，theroadbetweenthecastleofRicharddeTanyandthecityofLondonwasbesetwithmanydangers。
\"Why，\"criedthegirl’smotherinexasperation，\"betweenrobbersandroyalistsandtheOutlawofTorn，youwouldnotbesafeifyouhadanarmytoescortyou。\"
\"Butthen，asIhavenoarmy，\"retortedthelaughinggirl，\"ifyoureasonbyyourownlogic，Ishallbeindeedquitesafe。\"
AndwhenRogerdeCondeattemptedtodissuadeher，shetauntedhimwithbeingafraidofmeetingwiththeDevilofTorn，andtoldhimthathemightremainathomeandlockhimselfsafelyinhermother’spantry。
Andso，asJoandeTanywasaspoiledchild，theysetoutupontheroadtoLondon；thetwogirlswithadozenservantsandknights；andRogerdeCondewasoftheparty。
Atthesametimeagrim，gray，oldmandispatchedamessengerfromtheoutlaw’scamp；aswarthyfellow，disguisedasapriest，whoseordersweretoproceedtoLondon，andwhenhesawthepartyofJoandeTany，withRogerdeConde，enterthecity，hewastodelivertheletterheboretothecaptainofthegate。
Thelettercontainedthisbriefmessage：
\"ThetallknightingraywithclosedhelmisNormanofTorn，\"andwasunsigned。
AllwentwellandJoanwaslaughingmerrilyatthefearsofthosewhohadattemptedtodissuadeherwhen，atacrossroad，theydiscoveredtwopartiesofarmedmenapproachingfromoppositedirections。Theleaderofthenearerpartyspurredforwardtointerceptthelittleband，and，reininginbeforethem，criedbrusquely，\"Whobeye？\"
\"ApartyonapeacefulmissiontotheshopsofLondon，\"repliedNormanofTorn。
\"Iaskednotyourmission，\"criedthefellow。\"Iasked，whobeye？
Answer，andbequickaboutit。\"
\"IbeRogerdeConde，gentlemanofFrance，andthesebemysistersandservants，\"liedtheoutlaw，\"andwereitnotthattheladiesbewithme，youranswerwouldbecouchedinsteel，asyoudeserveforyourboorishinsolence。\"
\"Therebeplentyofroomandtimeforthatevennow，youdogofaFrenchcoward，\"criedtheofficer，couchinghislanceashespoke。
JoandeTanywassittingherhorsewhereshecouldseethefaceofRogerdeConde，anditfilledherheartwithprideandcourageasshesawandunderstoodthelittlesmileofsatisfactionthattouchedhislipsasheheardtheman’schallengeandloweredthepointofhisownspear。
Wheelingtheirhorsestowardoneanother，thetwocombatants，whoweresomeninetyfeetapart，chargedatfulltilt。Astheycametogethertheimpactwassogreatthatbothhorseswerenearlyoverturnedandthetwopowerfulwarlancesweresplinteredintoahundredfragmentsaseachstrucktheexactcenterofhisopponent’sshield。Then，wheelingtheirhorsesandthrowingawaythebuttsoftheirnowuselesslances，DeCondeandtheofficeradvancedwithdrawnswords。
ThefellowmadeamostviciousreturnassaultuponDeConde，attemptingtoridehimdowninonemadrush，buthisthrustpassedharmlesslyfromthetipoftheoutlaw’ssword，andastheofficerwheeledbacktorenewthebattle，theysettleddowntofiercecombat，theirhorseswheelingandturningshouldertoshoulder。
Thetwogirlssatrigidintheirsaddleswatchingtheencounter，theeyesofJoandeTanyalightwiththefireofbattleasshefollowedeverymoveofthewondrousswordplayofRogerdeConde。
Hehadnoteventakentheprecautiontolowerhisvisor，andthegrimandhaughtysmilethatplayeduponhislipsspokelouderthanmanywordstheuttercontemptinwhichheheldtheswordofhisadversary。AndasJoandeTanywatched，shesawthesmilesuddenlyfreezetoacold，hardline，andtheeyesofthemannarrowtomereslits，andherwoman’sintuitionreadthedeathwarrantoftheKing’sofficereretheswordoftheoutlawburieditselfinhisheart。
Theothermembersofthetwobodiesofroyalistsoldiershadsatspellboundastheywatchedthebattle，butnow，astheirleader’scorpserolledfromthesaddle，theyspurredfuriouslyinuponDeCondeandhislittleparty。
TheBaron’smenputupanoblefight，buttheoddswereheavyandevenwiththemightyarmofNormanofTornupontheirsidetheoutcomewasapparentfromthefirst。
Fiveswordswereflashingabouttheoutlaw，buthisbladewasequaltothethrustandoneafteranotherofhisassailantscrumpledupintheirsaddlesashisleapingpointfoundtheirvitals。
NearlyalloftheBaron’smenweredown，whenone，anoldservitor，spurredtothesideofJoandeTanyandMarydeStutevill。
\"Come，myladies，\"hecried，\"quickandyoumayescape。Theybesobusywiththebattlethattheywillnevernotice。\"
\"TaketheLadyMary，John，\"criedJoan，\"IbroughtRogerdeCondetothispassagainsttheadviceofallandIremainwithhimtotheend。\"
\"But，MyLady——\"criedJohn。
\"Butnothing，sirrah！\"sheinterruptedsharply。\"Doasyouarebid。
FollowmyLadyMary，andseethatshecomestomyfather’scastleinsafety，\"andraisingherridingwhip，shestruckMary’spalfreyacrosstherumpsothattheanimalnearlyunseatedhisfairriderasheleapedfranticallytoonesideandstartedmadlyuptheroaddownwhichtheyhadcome。
\"Afterher，John，\"commandedJoanperemptorily，andseethatyouturnnotbackuntilshebesafewithinthecastlewalls；thenyoumaybringaid。\"
TheoldfellowhadbeenwonttoobeytheimperiouslittleLadyJoanfromherearliestchildhood，andthehabitwassostronguponhimthathewheeledhishorseandgallopedaftertheflyingpalfreyoftheLadyMarydeStutevill。
AsJoandeTanyturnedagaintotheencounterbeforeher，shesawfullytwentymensurroundingRogerdeConde，andwhilehewastakingheavytollofthosebeforehim，hecouldnotcopewiththemenwhoattackedhimfrombehind；andevenasshelooked，shesawabattleaxefallfulluponhishelm，andhissworddropfromhisnervelessfingersashislifelessbodyrolledfromthebackofSirMortimertothebattle-trampedclayofthehighroad。
Sheslidquicklyfromherpalfreyandranfearlesslytowardhisprostrateform，recklessofthetangledmassofsnorting，trampling，steel-cladhorses，andsurgingfighting-menthatsurroundedhim。AndwellitwasforNormanofTornthatthisbravegirlwastherethatday，forevenasshereachedhisside，theswordpointofoneofthesoldierswasathisthroatforthecoupdegrace。
Withacry，JoandeTanythrewherselfacrosstheoutlaw’sbody，shieldinghimasbestshecouldfromthethreateningsword。
Cursingloudly，thesoldiergraspedherroughlybythearmtodragherfromhisprey，butatthisjuncture，arichlyarmoredknightgallopedupanddrewreinbesidetheparty。
Thenewcomerwasamanofaboutforty-fiveorfifty；tall，handsome，black-mustachedandwiththehaughtyarroganceofpridemostoftenseenuponthefacesofthosewhohavebeenraisedbyunmeritedfavortopositionsofpowerandaffluence。
HewasJohndeFulm，EarlofBuckingham，aforeignerbybirthandforyearsoneoftheKing’sfavorites；thebitterestenemyofDeMontfortandthebarons。
\"Whatnow？\"hecried。\"Whatgoesonhere？\"
Thesoldiersfellback，andoneofthemreplied：
\"ApartyoftheKing’senemiesattackedus，MyLordEarl，butweroutedthem，takingthesetwoprisoners。\"
\"Whobeye？\"hesaid，turningtowardJoanwhowaskneelingbesideDeConde，andassheraisedherhead，\"MyGod！ThedaughterofDeTany！anobleprizeindeedmymen。Andwhobetheknight？\"
\"Lookforyourself，MyLordEarl，\"repliedthegirlremovingthehelm，whichshehadbeenunlacingfromthefallenman。
\"Edward？\"heejaculated。\"Butno，itcannotbe，IdidbutyesterdayleaveEdwardinDover。\"
\"Iknownotwhohebe，\"saidJoandeTany，\"exceptthathebethemostmarvelousfighterandthebravestmanithaseverbeengivenmetosee。HecalledhimselfRogerdeConde，butIknownothingofhimotherthanthathelookslikeaprince，andfightslikeadevil。Ithinkhehasnoquarrelwitheitherside，MyLord，andso，asyoucertainlydonotmakewaronwomen，youwillletusgoourwayinpeaceaswewerewhenyoursoldierswantonlysetuponus。\"
\"ADeTany，madam，wereagreatandvaluablecaptureinthesetroubloustimes，\"repliedtheEarl，\"andthatalonewereenoughtonecessitatemykeepingyou；butabeautifulDeTanyisyetadifferentmatterandsoI
willgrantyouatleastonefavor。IwillnottakeyoutotheKing，butaprisoneryoushallbeinmineowncastleforIamalone，andneedthecheeringcompanyofafairandlovinglady。\"
Thegirl’sheadwenthighasshelookedtheEarlfullintheeye。
\"Thinkyou，JohndeFulm，EarlofBuckingham，thatyoubetalkingtosomecomelyscullerymaid？DoyouforgetthatmyhouseishonoredinEngland，eventhoughitdoesnotsharetheKing’sfavorswithhisforeignfavorites，andyouowerespecttoadaughterofaDeTany？\"
\"Allbefairinwar，mybeauty，\"repliedtheEarl。\"Egad，\"hecontinued，\"methinksallwouldbefairinhellweretheylikeuntoyou。IthasbeensomeyearssinceIhaveseenyouandIdidnotknowtheoldfoxRicharddeTanykeptsuchapackageasthishidinhisgrimyoldcastle。\"
\"Thenyourefusetoreleaseus？\"saidJoandeTany。
\"Letusnotputitthusharshly，\"counteredtheEarl。\"Ratherletussaythatitbesolateintheday，andthewaysobesetwithdangersthattheEarlofBuckinghamcouldnotbringhimselftoexposethebeautifuldaughterofhisoldfriendtotheperilsoftheroad，andso——\"
\"Letushaveanendtosuchfoolishness，\"criedthegirl。\"Imighthaveexpectednaughtbetterfromaturncoatforeignknavesuchasthee，whooncejoinedinthecouncilsofDeMontfort，andthenbetrayedhisfriendstocurryfavorwiththeKing。\"
TheEarlpaledwithrage，andpressedforwardasthoughtostrikethegirl，butthinkingbetterofit，heturnedtooneofthesoldiers，saying：
\"Bringtheprisonerwithyou。Ifthemanlivesbringhimalso。Iwouldlearnmoreofthisfellowwhomasqueradesinthecountenanceofacrownprince。\"
Andturning，hespurredontowardstheneighboringcastleofarebelbaronwhichhadbeencapturedbytheroyalists，andwasnowusedasheadquartersbyDeFulm。
CHAPTERXIII
WhenNormanofTornregainedhissenses，hefoundhimselfinasmalltowerroominastrangecastle。Hisheadachedhorribly，andhefeltsickandsore；buthemanagedtocrawlfromthecotonwhichhelay，andbysteadyinghisswayingbodywithhandspressedagainstthewall，hewasabletoreachthedoor。Tohisdisappointment，hefoundthislockedfromwithoutand，inhisweakenedcondition，hemadenoattempttoforceit。
Hewasfullydressedandinarmor，ashehadbeenwhenstruckdown，buthishelmetwasgone，aswerealsohisswordanddagger。
Thedaywasdrawingtoacloseand，asduskfellandtheroomdarkened，hebecamemoreandmoreimpatient。Repeatedpoundinguponthedoorbroughtnoresponseandfinallyhegaveupindespair。Goingtothewindow，hesawthathisroomwassomethirtyfeetabovethestone-flaggedcourtyard，andalsothatitlookedatanangleuponotherwindowsintheoldcastlewherelightswerebeginningtoshow。Hesawmen-at-armsmovingabout，andoncehethoughthecaughtaglimpseofawoman’sfigure，buthewasnotsure。
HewonderedwhathadbecomeofJoandeTanyandMarydeStutevill。Hehopedthattheyhadescaped，andyet——no，Joancertainlyhadnot，fornowhedistinctlyrememberedthathiseyeshadmethersforaninstantjustbeforetheblowfelluponhim，andhethoughtofthefaithandconfidencethathehadreadinthatquickglance。Suchalookwouldnerveajackaltoattackadroveoflions，thoughttheoutlaw。Whatabeautifulcreatureshewas；andshehadstayedtherewithhimduringthefight。Herememberednow。MarydeStutevillhadnotbeenwithherashehadcaughtthatglimpseofher，no，shehadbeenallalone。Ah！Thatwasfriendshipindeed！
Whatelsewasitthattriedtoforceitswayabovethethresholdofhisbruisedandwaveringmemory？Words？Wordsoflove？Andlipspressedtohis？No，itmustbebutafigmentofhiswoundedbrain。
Whatwasthatwhichclickedagainsthisbreastplate？Hefelt，andfoundametalbaublelinkedtoameshofhissteelarmorbyastrandofsilkenhair。Hecarriedthelittlethingtothewindow，andinthewaninglightmadeitouttobeagoldenhairornamentsetwithpreciousstones，buthecouldnottellifthelittlestrandofsilkenhairwereblackorbrown。
Carefullyhedetachedthelittlething，and，windingthefilmytressaboutit，placeditwithinthebreastofhistunic。Hewasvaguelytroubledbyit，yetwhyhecouldscarcelyhavetold，himself。
Againturningtothewindow，hewatchedthelightedroomswithinhisvision，andpresentlyhisviewwasrewardedbythesightofaknightcomingwithinthescopeofthenarrowcasementofanearbychamber。
Fromhisapparel，hewasamanofposition，andhewasevidentlyinheateddiscussionwithsomeonewhomNormanofTorncouldnotsee。Theman，agreat，tallblack-hairedandmustachednobleman，waspoundinguponatabletoemphasizehiswords，andpresentlyhesprangupasthoughrushingtowardtheonetowhomhehadbeenspeaking。Hedisappearedfromthewatcher’sviewforamomentandthen，atthefarsideoftheapartment，NormanofTornsawhimagainjustasheroughlygraspedthefigureofawomanwhoevidentlywasattemptingtoescapehim。Assheturnedtofacehertormentor，allthedevilintheDevilofTornsurgedinhisachinghead，forthefacehesawwasthatofJoandeTany。
Withamutteredoath，theimprisonedmanturnedtohurlhimselfagainstthebolteddoor，buterehehadtakenasinglestep，thesoundofheavyfeetwithoutbroughthimtoastop，andthejingleofkeysasonewasfittedtothelockofthedoorsenthimglidingstealthilytothewallbesidethedoorway，wheretheinswingingdoorwouldconcealhim。
Asthedoorwaspushedback，aflickeringtorchlightedup，butdimly，theinterior，sothatuntilhehadreachedthecenteroftheroom，thevisitordidnotseethatthecotwasempty。
Hewasaman-at-arms，andathissidehungasword。ThatwasenoughfortheDevilofTorn——itwasaswordhecravedmost；and，erethefellowcouldassurehisslowwitsthatthecotwasempty，steelfingerscloseduponhisthroat，andhewentdownbeneaththegiantformoftheoutlaw。
Withoutothersoundthanthescuffingoftheirbodiesonthefloor，andtheclankingoftheirarmor，theyfought，theonetoreachthedaggerathisside，theothertocloseforeverthewindpipeofhisadversary。
Presently，theman-at-armsfoundwhathesought，and，aftertuggingwitheverdiminishingstrength，hefeltthebladeslipfromitssheath。Slowlyandfeeblyheraisedithighabovethebackofthemanontopofhim；withalastsupremeefforthedrovethepointdownward，butereitreacheditsgoal，therewasasharpsnappingsoundasofabrokenbone，thedaggerfellharmlesslyfromhisdeadhand，andhisheadrolledbackwarduponhisbrokenneck。