Mr. Force started up, and went to meet the midshipman.
“I could not find the poltroon! He has run away, as he did on that first occasion, when I sent Roland to him!” exclaimed the youth. “But yet he shall not escape me!”
“Come here, Le,” said Odalite, in a gentle voice.
And the boy crossed the room and knelt before her, placing both his hands in hers.
It was the old, instinctive, knightly gesture of allegiance and loyalty.
“What is it, Odalite?” he inquired.
She bent and kissed his forehead, and then she said:
“My lover and husband, you would do anything for me to-night? Would you not?”
“Anything, Odalite! my love and queen! anything! I would live or die for you! I would forego the dearest wish of my heart for you!” he exclaimed, lifting her hands and pressing them to his lips, and then placing them on his head—another old knightly gesture of allegiance and loyalty.
“Kiss me, Le! Kiss me with the kiss that seals our marriage vows,” she said.