her testimony is the most important of any.
If she confirm Don Luis's statement, give the same account of the
interview between her husband and Stanley, and a reason for this
suddenly proclaimed enmity; if she swear that he did utter such
threatening words, I will neither hope nor try to save him; he is
guilty, and must die. But if she deny that he thus spoke; if she
declares on oath that she knew of no cause for, nor of the existence
of any enmity, I care not for other proofs, glaring though they be.
Accident or some atrocious design against him, as an envied foreigner,
may have thrown them together. Let Marie swear that this Garcia has
spoken falsely, and Stanley shall live, were my whole kingdom to
implore his death. In Donna Marie's evidence there can be no deceit;
she can have no wish that Stanley should be saved; as her husband's
supposed murderer, he must be an object of horror and loathing. Still
silent Isabel? Is not her evidence required?"

"It is indeed. And yet I feel that, to demand it, will but increase
the trial already hers."

"As how?" inquired the King, somewhat astonished. "Surely thou canst
not mean--"

"I mean nothing; I know nothing," interrupted Isabella hastily. "I can
give your Grace no reason, save my own feelings. Is there no way to
prevent this public exposure, and yet serve the purpose equally?"

Ferdinand mused. "I can think of none," he said. "Does Marie know of
this summons? and has her anguish sent thee hither? Or is it merely
the pleadings of thine own heart, my Isabel?"

"She does not know it. The summons appeared to me so strange and
needless, I would not let her be informed till I had sought thee."

"But thou seest it is not needless!" answered the King anxiously, for
in the most trifling matter he ever sought her acquiescence.

"Needless it is not, my liege. The life of the young foreigner, who
has thrown himself so confidingly on our protection and friendship,
must not be sacrificed without most convincing proofs of his guilt.
Marie's evidence is indeed important; but would not your Grace's
purpose be equally attained, if that evidence be given to me, her
native Sovereign, in private, without the dread formula which, if
summoned before a court of justice, may have fatal effects on a
mind and frame already so severely tried? In my presence alone the
necessary evidence may be given with equal solemnity, and with less
pain to the poor sufferer herself."

King Ferdinand agai