"Madam," he said, "the Duchess of Gascony cannot be prisoner to the
King of France, while there are Gascons. If your Grace will go to the
King, we will go also, and we shall see who is to be a prisoner."
At this there was a great shout that rang up to the vault of the lofty vestibule, and down the stone steps and out into the courtyard. Eleanor smiled serenely, for she knew her men.
"Go with me, then," she said, "and see that no bodily harm comes to me.
But in this matter I shall do the King's will."
In the room behind, the words echoed clearly, and Beatrix turned to
Gilbert.
"You see," she said, "it is but a play that you have thought of between you, and nothing more."
"Can you not believe us?" he asked reproachfully.
"I shall believe you when I know that you love me," she answered, and turned away, towards the door of the inner apartments.
Gilbert followed her.
"Beatrix!" he cried. "Beatrix! Hear me!"
She turned once more, with a face like stone.