He sought to wrench himself free of her detaining grasp, and the exertion brought him down, weary as he was, and with her weight hanging to him.
He sank to his knees, and the girl, still clinging valiantly, sank with him, calling to Garnache that she held the captain fast.
Putting forth all his remaining strength, the Parisian twisted from the Dowager's encircling grasp and hurled her from him with a violence he nowise intended.
"Yours, madame, are the first woman's arms that ever Martin de Garnache has known," said he.

"And never could embrace of beauty have been less welcome." Panting, he caught up one of the overturned chairs.

Holding it by the back he made for the window.

He had dropped his sword, and he called to mademoiselle to hold the captain yet an instant longer.

He swung his chair aloft and dashed it against the window.