"Then if I remain, thou must still surrender?"
"Surrender is inevitable, lady."
"Then sooner would I infringe my dignity by dangling from a rope, than become the prisoner of the foul usurper Stephen, and the laughing-stock of his traitorous barons."
"Sir Ingelric of Huntercombe, and two other knights, besides thy gallant page, volunteer to accompany thee, lady."
"And for thyself?"
"I must remain to the last, and share the fortunes of my vassals. Without me, they would find scant mercy from the usurpers."
"Then, to-morrow night, ere the moon rise, the attempt shall be made."
And the conference broke up.