the late rebellion; we have sent for
you to testify your knowledge in these matters."

Beatrix's face grew grave, and for a little while she made no answer.

"I implore you, Sire, relieve me from the duty," she said. "Safe now
and freed from my captor's power, I want never to look upon him nor to
speak his name, being well content to let God in His Providence punish
the crime against me."

"Your words are earnest of your gracious heart," said the King. "But
for the honor and name of fair England, it may not be settled so. If
Lord Darby be guilty, then must he suffer punishment, were it for no
other reason than that our laws demand it. If he be innocent, it is
his bounden right to receive full acquittance here in the presence of
those before whom he has been arraigned. Speak! as your Sovereign I
command. Who was your abductor?"

The Countess clasped her hands before her and hesitated. Then for the
first time, she let her eyes rest upon Darby; and the sight of him
seemed to nerve her; and she raised her arm and pointed at him with
accusing finger, while her voice rang out full and strong:

"There he stands--Lord Darby of Roxford! By his orders I was seized
and carried to his castle, where he came and sought first to persuade,
and then to force me into marriage with him. And when I scorned him,
he swore with words insulting he would hold me prisoner until he and
Buckingham had made a King of Henry Tudor, when he would wed me whether
I wished or no. Later it seems he somewhat changed his plans, and
instead of joining openly with Henry he remained with you, Sire; yet
with full intention, as he, himself, assured me, to cleave to whatever
side was winning in the battle. So was he sure, he said, to be in
favor with whomever wore the crown. Of all these crimes and treasons
is yonder false lord guilty. And had not Sir John De Bury and Sir
Aymer de Lacy carried by storm his Castle of Roxford, I would yet be a
prisoner to him."

And the very thought brought quick reaction and her courage ebbed, and
turning her back upon the Court, she covered her face with her hands.

Through the swift denunciation Lord Darby had stood with impassive face
and eyes that never flinched, looking straight at the Countess; then he
shifted his glance to the King. He knew that the words just uttered
had confirmed his doom--that in all that throng there was no friend for
him, nor even one to do him favor. A score of lies or a flood o