"
A murmur of approval stirred the silent crowd, but it died away as
Katherine suddenly advanced and stood, a white figure like a fair
lily, between the king and Villon.
"Nay, you gain more than this. I am the Lady Katherine de Vaucelles,
kinswoman of the royal house, mistress of a hundred lands, Grand
Seneschale of Gascony, Warden of the Marches of Poitou. In my own
domains I exercise the High Justice and the Low. This man is of
humble birth, and when I marry him he becomes my vassal. Over my
vassals I hold the law of life and death."
Villon dropped on his knees beside his lady.
Louis clapped his thin hands together as a man might applaud a play.
"You are a bold minion and you have a quick wit. But if you marry
this gaol bird you decline to his condition. Your high titles fall
from you, your great estates are forfeit to the crown and you and he
must go out into exile together; the beggar woman with the beggar
man."
Katherine turned to Villon where he knelt beside her.
"'Tis a little price to pay for my lover."
Villon looking up into her eyes, questioned her:
"Do you think I'm worth it, Kate? 'Tis a big price to pay for this
poor anatomy.
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