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LABOULAYE’S FAIRY BOOK “T mean that it shall be at my service,’ returned the seneschal, sternly. "Rise, vassal! I do you the honor to marry you, and to take yourself, your person, and your property under my guardianship.” “My lord," returned Finette, "this is much too great an honor for a poor girl like me, a stranger, without friends or kindred.” ‘Be silent, vassal!" replied the seneschal. "I am your lord and master; I have nothing to do with your advice. Sign this paper.” S My lord,” said Finette, "I don’t know how to write." " Do you think that I do, either" " returned the seneschal, in a voice that shook the house. "Do you take me for a clerk? A cross—that is the signature of gentlemen.” He made a large cross on the paper, and handed the pen to Finette. “Sign,” said he. “If you are afraid to make a cross, infidel, you pass your own death sentence, and I shall take on myself to execute it." He drew his heavy sword from the scabbard as he spoke, and threw it on the table. For her only answer, Finette leaped out of the window and ran to the stable. The seneschal pursued her thither, but, on attempting to enter, an unexpected obstacle stopped him. The frightened cow had backed at the sight of the young girl, and stood in the doorway, with Finette clinging to her horns and making of her a sort of buckler. 94
