“By the Lord, no,” burst forth the Count. “You will not have a woman give orders to hang a man. An’ he deserve punishment give him a drubbing and dismiss him the Castle. So shall all be satisfied,” he added half maliciously. Roger looked at Isabel, awaited her pleasure. “You have heard the Count’s words,” said Isabel very icily. “The injured may assign his own reward for the injury. I leave the affair.” Roger March saluted and withdrew. The Count, by the window, drummed lightly on the sill with his fingers, looked not at Isabel standing rigid by the hearth. The mental atmosphere held an unpleasant chill. Sudden sounds broke the silence; trampling of feet on the stairway, exclamations of anger. Isabel and the Count faced about towards the door. The heavy draperies of the curtain swung aside. Peregrine burst into the room, fell on his knees before Isabel. “Madam,” he cried thickly, imploring, “I come to crave pardon. Allot me what punishment you will, but dismiss me not from your presence.” The words were out of his lips ere the captain of the guard and two of his men had gained the chamber. Beyond the swaying curtain was a group of women with scared faces. The Count looked at the kneeling figure; the somewhat cynical smile on his lips was not for it. From the Jester he glanced at Isabel. “Take the fellow away,” said Isabel. At the sound of her voice Peregrine looked up at her face. Realization dawned on him. He got to his feet, staggering like a man dazed with over-much wine. “Your will, Madam?” said Roger sternly. He trusted now to find his hands busy with the rope. “I have given you my orders already,” said Isabel harshly. Roger March, grim-faced, led Peregrine away. The Count looked at Isabel. Meeting her eyes very full he smiled mockingly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XI OUTCASTE THUS a second time we see Peregrine dismissed the Castle. Exceeding sore in body, yet infinitely more sore in mind, he lay in a wood some two miles or so from the spot where the last blow had fallen upon him. Half fainting he had dragged himself thither. Roger March had been in no mind to see light punishment dealt out.