Count Herbert’s arms relaxed, and his hands dropped listless to his sides.
“By my sword,” he said, “they taught you invective in the forest. You are free. Go.”
The girl made no motion to profit by her newly acquired liberty, but stood there, glancing sideways at him who scowled menacingly at her.
When at last she spoke, she said, shyly: “I have not yet fulfilled my mission.”
“Fulfil it then in the fiend’s name and begone.”
“Will you consent to see my Lady the Countess?”
“No.”
“Will you promise not to make war upon her if you are released?”
“No.”
“If, in spite of your boorishness, she sets you free, what will you do?”