This notable victory made Maugis the master of an immense territory over which he could roam at will and follow the chase. But Charlemagne, infuriated by his defeat at the hands of this brave young warrior, would not quit the place he had chosen for his camp. Maugis, who had from time to time only a few skirmishes during the ensuing thirteen months, spent a period, not altogether devoid of pleasure, except for the haunting thought of the lovely face and sweet eyes of Yolande, and chafed bitterly at the fate that kept him from her side. And what of her? Did she ever think of him? In the privacy of her chamber in the great palace at Paris, she shed many bitter tears when she witnessed the departure of the army that was going to destroy the man whom she loved above all else on earth. The only comfort she knew was the absence of Ganelon, whose suit to her had become persecution. Since the day of the escape of Maugis by her aid, his attitude had changed from odious fawning to sternness and threats. He alone knew of the part she had played on that memorable day. He had read her secret aright and had taunted her with it, and when goaded by his ceaseless importunity, she had said, standing with flashing eyes, her glorious figure drawn up: “Go, sirrah! Never darken my gaze again. I detest thee as much as I love the man thou hatest, and I care not that thou shouldst know it.” “Foolish maiden! That sorcerer hath bewitched thee,” hissed Ganelon, “but did all hell assemble to aid him, his fate is sealed. His doom is sure. Then, obdurate maid, perchance thou wilt look upon me, who truly loves thee.” “Never!” cried Yolande as the villain’s form disappeared through the door. She was yet to feel the evil that an evil man evilly disposed can do. As the days passed and no news came from the camp of the emperor, her heart sank, and finally when the messenger came and the victory of Maugis became known, her heart was lightened. Then a few days later a travel-worn monk delivered into her hands a small packet. It contained a ring and a slip of parchment on which was written: “I have love for thee that will never die. Sleeping or waking I think of thee only. Take this ring, shouldst thou ever be in peril or need me, send it. It shall be a token for me to come that nothing shall prevent. Pray thou to God that our separation may be short. +Maugis.+” The maiden covered the token with kisses and hid it in her bosom. Meanwhile, Charlemagne would have made another attack, but Naimes, more prudent, advised him to await a more favorable opportunity. Then there came to the emperor, sent by the crafty Ganelon, one who proposed that he would agree to take the castle and the lords and soldiers therein, provided he should be given the château and its territories as his reward.