re marriage, it shall be so. If it be
to be falseness to my Lord's bed, it shall be so; if it be both, in the
name of God, be it both, and where you will and how. If you will have
it spoken, here I speak it. If you will have it written, I will write
out such words as you shall bid me write. I pray you leave my poor women
be, especially them that be sick, for there are none that do not love
me, and I do think that my death is all that you need.'

She paused; there was no sound in the hall but the strenuous panting of
the King.

'But whether,' she said, 'you shall believe this confession of mine, I
leave to you that very well do know my conversation and my manner of
life.'

Again she paused and said--

'I have spoken. To it I will add that heartily I do thank my sovereign
lord that raised me up. And, in public, I do say it, that he hath dealt
justly by me. I pray you pardon me for having delayed thus long your
labours. I will get me gone.'

Then she dropped her eyes to the ground.

Again the King cried out--

'No! no!' and, stumbling to his feet he rushed down upon his courtiers
and round the table. He came upon her before she was at the distant
door.

'You shall not go!' he said. 'Unsay! unsay!'

She said, 'Ah!' and recoiled before him with an obdurate and calm
repulsion.

'Get ye gone, all you minions and hounds,' he cried. And running in upon
them he assailed them with huge blows and curses, sobbing lamentably, so
that they fled up the steps and out on to the rooms behind the throne.
He came sobbing, swift and maddened, panting and crying out, back to
where she awaited him.

'Unsay! unsay!' he cried out.

She stood calmly.

'Never will I unsay,' she said. 'For it is right that such a King as
thou should be punished, and I do believe this: that there can no agony
come upon you such as shall come if you do believe me false to you.'

The coloured sunlight fell upon his face just down to the chin; his
eyes glared horribly. She confronted him, being in the shadow. High up
above them, painted and moulded angels soared on the roof with golden
wings. He clutched at his throat.

'I do not believe it,' he cried out.

'Then,' she said, 'I believe that it shall be only a second greater
agony to you: for you shall have done me to death believing me
guiltless.'

A great motion of despair went over his whole body.

'Kat!' he said; 'Body of God, Kat! I would not have you done to death. I
have saved your life