One woman had already taken it; she heard much concerning Madame Alois from the Canonesses, how she had a little cell at Fontevrault among the nuns there, how she shivered with cold in the hottest sun, how she shrieked o' nights, how chattered to herself, and how she used a cruel discipline.

All these things working upon Jehane's mind made her love an agony.

Many and many a time when her royal lover came to visit her she clung to him with tears, imploring him to cast her off again; but the more she bewailed the more he pursued his end.

In truth he was master by this time, and utterly misconceived her.

Nothing she might say or do could stay him from his intent, which was to wed and afterwards crown her Countess of Poictou.