of the knights that went forth with him. And that before he died he
sent word that it was his wish that I permit Sir Dolphus to marry our
daughter. Yet do I know that Sir Dolphus is already lawfully wedded to
a wife whom he would discard. Knowing my husband as I do, I could not
believe such to be his message. So I withstood the pleadings of this
knight until his pleadings turned to bitter threats.

"He would make himself Duke of Gascony. And when I would not listen to
him, his pleadings or threats, he came here one day with two other
knights and professed to abide by such decision as I had made. They
dined with us. Ambrose, my son, was away that day.

"Enough to say that they stole my daughter from me. This old man you
see and the other, Albert, were clubbed to earth, the one to death. I
tried so hard to resist them but my hand was weak.

"When Ambrose returned, I could not keep him. He went forth to rescue
his sister. Poor lad, I have had no word from him since then. Is he
dead? Did they kill him? I have sent for word, have begged that they
tell me what fate has befallen him but they profess not to know.

"I have heard that the Church will not sanction his marriage to
Helene. Nor will it permit Sir Dolphus to annul the marriage with his
wife. A good priest also tells me that Sir Dolphus has set his black
heart upon marrying my poor Helene so that he can then lawfully own
all this land and estate that belongs to us. It will be small matter
to rid himself of me and I fain would not wish to live were it not
that I still have hope.

"My lord, I have hoped so much. Until my very hope turned black for