CHAPTER23
InthecastleofSirBiornoftheFieryEyes，Christmas-evehadnotpassedsobrightlyandhappily;butyet，theretooallhadgonevisiblyaccordingtoGod’swill。
Folko，attheentreatyofthelordofthecastle，hadallowedGabrielletosupporthimintothehall;andthethreenowsatattheroundstonetable，whereonasumptuousmealwaslaid。Oneithersidetherewerelongtables，atwhichsattheretainersofbothknightsinfullarmour，accordingtothecustomoftheNorth。Torchesandlampslightedtheloftyhallwithanalmostdazzlingbrightness。
Midnighthadnowbegunitssolemnreign，andGabriellesoftlyremindedherwoundedknighttowithdraw。Biornheardher，andsaid：
\"Youareright，fairlady;ourknightneedsrest。Onlyletusfirstkeepuponemoreoldhonourablecustom。\"