I withdrew to the farther end of the room; but it was small, and
I heard all that passed. I had my revolver ready to cover
Rischenheim in case he should be moved to make a dash for
liberty. But he was past that: Rupert's presence was a tonic that
nerved him to effort and to confidence, but the force of the last
dose was gone and the man was sunk again to his natural
irresolution.
"My lord," she began gently, motioning him to sit, "I have
desired to speak with you, because I do not wish a gentleman of
your rank to think too much evil of his queen. Heaven has willed
that my secret should be to you no secret, and therefore I may
speak plainly. You may say my own shame should silence me; I
speak to lessen my shame in your eyes, if I can."
Rischenheim looked up with a dull gaze, not understanding her
mood. He had expected reproaches, and met low-voiced apology.
"And yet," she went on, "it is because of me that the king lies
dead now; and a faithful humble fellow also, caught in the net of
my unhappy fortunes, has given his life for me, though he didn't
know it. Even while we speak, it may be that a gentleman, not too
old yet to learn nobility, may be killed in my quarrel; while
another, whom I alone of all that know him may not praise,
carries his life lightly in his hand for me.
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