King. Something in his face reminded her for the moment of the man
whom he resembled. He was tired, and his distress touched her heart.
She moved suddenly over to his side and dropped upon her knee. The
heavy sleeves fell back from her wrists, her white fingers touched his
arms. She remembered that they had been young together, and after all
the destinies of Theos were largely in his hands. He looked into her
face and was amazed at the change. Her tone no longer shook with
anger. She pleaded to him.

"Your Majesty, you and I were children together. Listen to me. I have
lived in Theos all my life, and the love of my country has become a
religion to me. For her sake, listen. You must not think any more of
Sara Van Decht. Your marriage would be impossible. The House of Laws
would not permit it, the nobility of Theos, of whom alas there are but
few left, would not tolerate it. I am speaking the truth to you. As
for what has been between you and me it shall go for nothing.
I--listen--I love another man. Wait for a few years, and then seek for
a wife where the royal House of Theos has the right to seek. I, who
know, tell you that this is your duty--that even now your throne is in
peril that you know nothing of."

[Illustration: "NICHOLAS OF REIST STOOD ON THE THRESHOLD."]

For the fraction of a second Ughtred hesitated, seeking about in his
mind only how best to terminate a painful situation. And that brief
period became almost a fatal interlude, for she saw what was passing
in his mind. Then a low, fierce cry came to them from the shadows of
the room. Nicholas of Reist stood on the threshold of the open panel,
his drawn sword quivering in his hand.

CHAPTER XXXIII

It was a curiously deep silence which reigned for many moments in the
King's chamber. Ughtred slowly drew a little apart from Marie and
glanced sternly from one to the other. His momentary suspicion,
however, died away. The look on the face of Nicholas of Reist was such
as no man, even the most consummate of actors, might assume.

"What news do you bring?" the King said, quietly. "Is all well at
Solika?"

Reist pointed to his sister.

"There are no fresh tidings," he answered. "I await your Majesty's
explanation of my sister's presence here."

Ughtred drew himself up. The blood of an ancient race asserted itself.
He eyed Reist coldly. It was the King who faced a rebellious subject.

"I have no explanation to offer to you, Duke of Reist," he an