"Yes, Madame Marie," said the culprit, with resignation.

"How many times have you set all our people talking about these witch
flights on the swan, and sudden returns after dark?"

"I forget, Madame Marie."

"In all seriousness thou shalt be well punished for this last," said the
lady severely.

"I was punished before the offense. Your absence punished me, Madame
Marie."

"A bit of adroit flattery will not turn aside discipline. The smallest
vassal in the fort shall know that. A day in the turret, with a loaf of
bread and a jug of water, may put thee in better liking to stay at
home."

"Yes, Madame Marie," assented the dwarf, with smiles.

"And I may yet find it in my heart to have that swan's neck wrung."

"Shubenacadie's neck! Oh, Madame Marie, wring mine! It would be the
death of me if Shubenacadie died. Consider how long I have had him. And
his looks, my lady! He is such a pretty bird."

"We must mend that dangerous beauty of his. If these flights stop not, I
will have his wings clipped."

"His satin wings,--his glistening, polished wings," mourned Le