He looked round, caught her steady eye, winced, and turned his away.
"So—nothing. Why did you then ransom these men?"
"Because, father, I had pity for the men themselves."
"Why?" He could not understand this simple, natural, elementary feeling. She did not answer him, but loosened her hand from his; she took the torn strips of red silk that had formed her cross and put them on the table before him. "I renounce my companionship," she said.
He did not regard her words or her action.
"I am glad the Del' Peyras are nothing to you. I swear——" He sprang up but sank again. He could not bear to stand on his mangled feet. "I swear to you, I swear to all Périgord I will root them out; I will not leave a fibre of them anywhere. I will let all the world know what it is to oppose me."
"What has been done, father?"
Again he turned his face, but could not endure her clear eyes.
"I cannot tell you. Ask others."
Steps were audible in the anteroom, and Roger and Amanieu entered. They saluted.