‘All the world avers,’ returned Louis earnestly, ‘that this beauteous being is a slave to Duty. Day and night, year in, year out, she’s ever at her post, and gives no thought to love, the essence of existence.’
While these observations were going on, the three Judges, attired as in days of old, took their seats with suitable solemnity, when the Court opened with the same formularies as had been in use for hundreds of years: for the Courts of Law more than any other institution cling to the ancient order of things with tenacity.
Even the old-fashioned blunder of saying ‘you’ for ‘thee’ was still adhered to in the Law Courts, verbal innovations being equally discountenanced.
After a short delay the auditory was startled by hearing the charge delivered, of which the following is the substance.
‘Mercia Montgomery, you are charged with feloniously attempting the life of His Imperial Majesty, Albert Felicitas, Supreme Ruler and Governor of Great Britain and Ireland, Emperor of the Teutonic, Indian, and African Empires, which murderous attempt is accounted High Treason by the law of these Realms. Do you plead Guilty or not Guilty?’
Before the accused could possibly have time to give her answer, the Public Prosecutor interfered.
‘I am empowered to convey to the prisoner the favour of his Imperial Majesty’s clemency. Taking into consideration the prisoner’s long and valuable service rendered to her country, also the great loyalty she has ever evinced towards her Sovereign during that period of faithful service, the Emperor has decided to overlook the sudden outburst of passion made by his otherwise faithful subject, and illustrious Astronomer, and has therefore conveyed to her his Royal Pardon, in proper form, forthwith.
‘The prisoner has been already made acquainted with this fact and was in the enjoyment of her freedom last evening,’ he added, regarding Mercia with a glance full of meaning.
Then Mercia, motioning her counsel to keep his seat a moment longer, and rising to her full height, replied in low but emphatic tones—‘Being altogether innocent of the crime of which I am charged, I am unable to accept the clemency offered by his Most Gracious Majesty.
‘It will be soon enough to pray for pardon when I am proved guilty. If the Court will permit, I beg that the trial proceed, and my character for ever cleared from all unworthy imputations.