"Why have you come to me?" she asked after a time, looking out at the balcony, and not at him.
"The King, Madam, has bidden me take you a prisoner to him, in order that he may carry you away by sea to Ptolemais and to Jerusalem."
While he was speaking, she slowly turned her face to him, and stared at his coldly.
"And you are come to do as you are bidden, getting admittance to me stealthily, with men of my own who have betrayed me?"
Gilbert turned white, and then he smiled as he answered her.
"No. I am come to warn your Grace and to defend you against all violence, with my life."
Eleanor's face changed and softened, and again she looked out at the balcony.
"Why should you defend me?" she asked sadly, after a pause. "What am I to you, that you should fight for me? I sent you out to die—why should you wish me to be safe?"
"You have been the best friend to me, and the kindest, that ever woman was to man."
"A friend? No. I was never your friend. I sent you out to death, because I loved you, and trusted that I might see you never again, and that you might die honourably for the Cross and your vows. Instead, you won glory, and saved us all—all but me! You owe me no thanks for such friendship."