w he will
never change sides."

An enigmatic smile passed over the fretful face of the King. "I think
so, too," he agreed, and turned again to his papers. But Brilliana
was not to be so rebuffed. Coming a little nearer to Charles, she
fell on her knees and extended her hands in supplication. "Sire, my
lover's life!"

Charles, who had lost nothing of her actions, though he affected to
be wholly absorbed in his business, looked round and down at her with
much assumption of surprise.

"You are still there? You are a pertinacious maykin."

"Sire, in the Queen's name!" Brilliana pleaded. The King sighed.

"Well, one more concession, this is the last--the very last." Charles
prided himself on his firmness, and he struck the table as he spoke
to emphasize his unalterable resolve. "If you win me his word of
honor to take no more part in this war, to remain neutral till King
humble Commons or Commons murder King, why, it is enough; he lives."

Brilliana shivered at the King's alternative. "Your Majesty cannot
believe that the worst of your subjects would aim at your sacred
life?"

The King's fine eyes were more than usual melancholy, and he opened
and clasped his long fingers nervously.

"I cannot choose but believe it. Their words are wild--that is
trifling. But long ago, when I was young, there was a man, one Arthur
Dee, a wizard and the son of a wizard, he had a magic crystal--ah,
Father in heaven!"

Charles gave a groan and hid his face in his hands, Brilliana
thrilled with compassion. "Your Majesty!" she cried; "your Majesty!"

Charles drew his hands away from his face. He rose, and, as he spoke,
he stared fixedly before him as if he saw the sight he was
describing.

"In that sphere I saw a platform hung with black. On it I seemed to
see myself staring at a sea of hateful faces. One with a mask stood
by my side who carried an axe. I have never forgotten it."

He stood rigid, with clasped hands. Brilliana shuddered at his words.

"Sire! sire! this was some lying vision."

With an effort the King controlled himself; his features softened to
their habitual melancholy, his hands relaxed their clasp, and he
seated himself again by the table.

"Belike, belike; I am unwise to think upon it," he said, in a low
voice. Leaning across the table, he struck a bell sharply. The door
opened and the soldier in immediate attendance upon the King entered.

"Tell Sir Rufus to attend us," the King said. The soldier bowed a