As for Maugis, the words of the king fairly stunned him. He had come there solely to vindicate himself, and little thought the turn of events would bring him his heart’s desire. At first his heart leaped for joy when he fairly understood his happiness, but alas! only to be shadowed by sadness when the aversion that Yolande had suddenly shown for him came to his mind. “Sire!” said he sadly, when he had recovered his self-possession, “right gladly will I fulfill the first condition and thy second one confers upon me such honor, confidence and happiness that a lifetime of devotion from me could not repay. But, your majesty, I cannot consent unless thy sister doth approve of thy suggestion,” said he earnestly and proudly. “I never would be willing to impose myself upon a woman in this fashion simply because reasons of state forced her to accept me as her husband.” At these words the king arose, terminating the audience, requesting Maugis to come at the same time the next day. Then the king hastened to the apartments of his sister, feeling some uneasiness. “Yolande,” said he, “thou knowest well thou hast been sought in marriage by all the best men of my kingdom, and by many foreign princes. Thou hast ever held thy heart free and have had thy will in refusing all who have wooed thee, but the time has come for thee to choose thy mate in life, and having thy welfare in our mind, we have picked for thee a right gallant and comely man whose valor will do thee honor and protect thee.” “How now, good brother!” exclaimed Yolande, alarmed at the solemnity of the king. “To whom dost thou propose to sell me?” “I desire thou shalt wed Maugis,” replied the king. “And did Maugis send thee hither to plead his suit?” haughtily replied Yolande, all her pride aroused. “Nay, but—” replied the king. “Then get thee hence, sire, with thy Maugis!” interrupted the princess, flying into a passion. “Thinkest thou that I am merchandise to be bartered for strength to thy kingdom, or a slave to be sold to pay thy obligations? Not so, royal brother. I tell thee now, once for all, the air of a nunnery will please my health far better than a husband who binds me to him as a hostage. I would be alone, go!” she cried. The perplexed monarch was leaving the apartments of his sister when he encountered the Duchess de Bearne, a worldly-wise, shrewd, and good woman, who had been as a mother to the orphaned princess. He confided to her his perplexity between the pride of the two lovers. “Sire!” laughed the duchess, “little doth thou understand a woman’s heart. Why didst thou not suffer Maugis to plead his own cause? But rest thee. Leave them to me, I will see they meet on the morrow.”