"Therefore, dear, as on the stairway I heard him accept mercy on my word, you will grant it to him?"
"He is your prisoner, sweetheart, and we will have him here," said Aymer. "You are his judge."
Presently, with helmet in hand and bladeless scabbard by his side, but still in his harness dinted and hacked in the recent fight, Gorges appeared; and halting at the threshold, bowed to the Countess; then saluting the Knight with formal motion, stood at attention.
"Flat-Nose—for by that name I know you best," said De Lacy, "you yielded prisoner to the Countess of Clare. Advance and receive your sentence."
Gorges came forward and knelt at her feet in silence.
"Simon," said Beatrix, "you were kind to me when most I needed kindness; will you now take your life from me in earnest of my gratitude?"
"That will I, my lady, and gladly," Gorges answered frankly and at once.
"And will you wear the badge of Clare and be my chief retainer?"
The soldier hesitated and glanced uncertainly at De Lacy.
"You are bound no longer to Lord Darby's service," Sir Aymer admonished. "He is traitor to the King, and will die on the block within the month."