“Dearest Ellen,” he began, in tones of great earnestness; “dearest Ellen, how I have longed for this interview!”
“I was brought here, sire,” was the maiden’s reply, “by force, and, as a gentleman, as a nobleman, as my king, I demand to know why and wherefore?”
“Dear creature, do not pout so beautifully; do not flash those lovely eyes, I beseech you. It was by my orders you were brought hither.”
“Indeed, sire. And was such an action worthy of a king?”
“Nay, do not discuss that point with me, fair one, for you know that Cupid knows no law. Come, fairest of the fair, listen to my tale of love, I beseech thee. We are here alone; no one can hear us, no one can see us; the doors are locked, we are alone!”
“False man!” said Ellen; “would you thus enveigle me to destroy mine honour? Let me go, I say!”
“You cannot.”
“But I will.”
“Nay, dear Ellen, listen to me. We are alone, I say.”
“Nay; not alone,” said a voice behind some tapestry.