Here is this courteous knight, who has not opened his mouth three times since he has been in my house, except to take in provision, cuts me short in my story with a flat denial."
"Oh! I cry you mercy, sir knight," said Matilda; "I did not mark you before. I am your debtor for no slight favour, and so is my liege lord."
"Her liege lord!" exclaimed the baron, taking large strides across the chamber.
"Pardon me, gentle lady," said Sir Ralph. "Had I known you before yesterday, I would have cut off my right hand ere it should have been raised to do you displeasure."
"Oh sir," said Matilda, "a good man may be forced on an ill office: but I can distinguish the man from his duty." She presented to him her hand, which he kissed respectfully, and simultaneously with the con-
