Katherine clasped the kind woman's hands to express her gratitude, whilst Gaspard said, with tears in his eyes—
"You see we are not forsaken; go with our good neighbour. I will follow you quickly, but I will see the steward first."
Katherine would have dissuaded her husband from this; but he was firm in his purpose, and at once started for the castle.
On arriving there, he was shown into the presence of the steward; he was sitting in an apartment as richly furnished as if it had been occupied by the Count himself.
"What is your business?" he haughtily inquired, as Gaspard entered.
"I come to demand justice," said Gaspard sternly; "you are placed here to protect the noble Count's rights and property, not to commit acts of cruel injustice. You have seized my goods, my land, and dwelling. They are worth ten times the sum I owe. Neither the tears nor the prayers of my wife moved you to show us any mercy. You have deprived us of food, clothes, and shelter. All this you have done to show your power, and to gratify your wife's desire for revenge. I now tell you that I go to seek the Count, your lord as well as mine. If necessary, I will follow him from place to place, till I can tell him not only of your treatment of me, but of many others, who have been hardly dealt with."
So saying, and without awaiting a reply, Gaspard quitted the room.
The steward had listened in mute astonishment; no one had ever so addressed and threatened him before. He was half inclined to summon an attendant, and to desire that Gaspard should be recalled. His pride, however, forbade that; he would not condescend to dispute with one who had so braved and outraged him. At the same time, he dreaded lest Gaspard should put his threat into execution, and make his conduct known to the Count. For some time he paced the room, uncertain how to act, but at last quieted his fears with the belief that Gaspard would not carry out his purpose. "And if he does," he exclaimed aloud, "I need not fear; he will not be believed. My wife's sister, who was one of the Countess's women, will be there to deny any tale against me."
Meanwhile poor Gaspard rejoined his wife and children at the good Christine's, who had done what she could for the comfort of those whom she had so hospitably sheltered.
After the trying events of the day, all were glad to retire early to rest. Gaspard and Katherine decided, ere they did so, on setting out the next day, so as not to trespass longer than necessary on their good neighbour's kindness.