ll see now
whether this holy Father will save this faithful son from the scaffold
which we will erect for him. Yes, yes, we must give the world a new
example of our incorruptible justice, which overtakes every one, however
high and mighty he may be, and however near our throne he may stand.
Really, really, it grieves our heart to lay low this oak which we had
planted so near our throne, that we might lean upon it and support
ourselves by it; but justice demands this sacrifice, and we will make
it--not in wrath and spite, but only to meet the sacred and painful duty
of our royalty. We have greatly loved this duke, and it grieves us to
tear this love from our heart."

And with his hand, glittering with jewels, the king wiped from his eyes
the tears which were not there.

"But how?" asked the king, then, after a pause, "will you have the
courage to repeat your accusation publicly before Parliament? Will you,
his wife, and you, his mistress, publicly swear with a sacred oath to
the truth of your declaration?"

"I will do so," said the duchess, solemnly, "for he is no longer my
husband, no longer the father of my children, but simply the enemy of my
king; and to serve him is my most sacred duty."

"I will do so," cried Miss Holland, with a bewitching smile; "for he
is no longer my lover, but only a traitor, an atheist, who is audacious
enough to recognize as the holy head of Christendom that man at Rome who
has dared to hurl his curse against the sublime head of our king. It is
this, indeed, that has torn my heart from the duke, and that has made me
now hate him as ardently as I once loved him."

With a gracious smile, the king presented both his hands to the two
women. "You have done me a great service to-day, my ladies," said he,
"and I will find a way to reward you for it. I will give you, duchess,
the half of his estate, as though you were his rightful heir and lawful
widow. And you, Miss Holland, I will leave in undisputed possession of
all the goods and treasures that the enamored duke has given you."

The two ladies broke out into loud expressions of thanks and into
enthusiastic rapture over the liberal and generous king, who was so
gracious as to give them what they already had, and to bestow on them
what was already their own property.

"Well, and are you wholly mute, my little duchess," asked the king after
a pause, turning to the Duchess of Richmond, who had withdrawn to the
embrasure of a window.

"Sire