cared not how he should be put out of the way so that he might not
interfere with her absolute sway nor with the holding of the Crown by
her daughter Carlotta, when old King Janus should die."

So this was why, by Queen Elena's command, the dashing, masterful boy of
fifteen had been created Archbishop of Cyprus--in the hope that the
honors of the Church might absorb his powers and keep the wish for his
succession out of the thoughts of the people who idolized him! This
holding of the Primacy had been a mystery to Caterina, who, dearly as
she loved her hero, knew him to be no saint. But, whatever the rights of
Carlotta--who had been left Queen by her father's will (and insistent
questions thrust themselves into the thoughts of Caterina while she
listened, zealous to escape no detail)--it was evident that Margherita's
sympathies went out to Janus.

"He hath more the quality of the Lusignans--to whom the De Iblin were
ever loyal," she explained to Caterina, "and Carlotta is like her
mother. Janus was first to offer his homage to his sister, pleading that
as children of one father there might be truce and loving intercourse
between them; but he was refused admittance to the Royal Palace; denied
his right, as Primate of Cyprus, to preside at the coronation and
commanded to remain within his palace during the ceremony, _lest the
love of the people should acclaim him King_. But the crown of Carlotta
fell from her head as she returned in stately procession to the palace,"
Margherita exclaimed, crossing herself devoutly--"so one might know that
her reign should not be happy!"

"And then?" Caterina questioned, impatiently.

"Ah, yes, your Majesty, there was more; for our brave Janus had been
gentle withal, but for ceaseless outrage that forced him to forswear his
oath of loyalty. His revenues were withheld: he was beguiled to a
banquet in the palace of a high officer of the crown where poisoned
meats were set before him, but here, as in many another intrigue, the
watchful love of the beautiful Maria da Patras--his unhappy
mother--saved his life. Poor lady! she watched and prayed for him, and
had no other thought.

"One knows not how--but she always knew--as if some spirit had told
her!" Margherita continued in a tone of awe, after a moment's silence.
"For none but she had dreamed the great Sir Tristan traitor to his
trust, he who came of the noble house of De Giblet and was keeper of the
Episcopal Palace and on guard at nig