“Oh, I’ll pay it, ten times over.” He has her in his arms again.
Here suddenly she says to him, her cheeks growing pale: “You’re without leave of absence once more.”
“Yes, thanks to you!” He says carelessly, but starts as he sees the stab he has given.
She murmurs with white lips: “Desertion from the army, with Middelburg surrounded by enemies—it will mean not the loss of your rank—but the loss of your head. My father is a disciplinarian.”
“What did I care for that,” answers Chester, “was it not my only hope of seeing you?”
This tortures her cruelly, but shows how much she loves him, for she grows pale and falters. “For my sake you have risked your life. Promise me you will never risk it thus again. Promise me to return to your post to-day,” then adds, “I have a commission for you. While seeking safety yourself, give safety to this poor merchant’s daughter. He tells me there is a ship which is at your service.”
“As I am also at your service with my life!” answers Chester. “Leave this matter in my hands. Without your request I would have saved from degradation the sweetheart of my friend.”
He cuts himself short at this, not wishing to discuss Oliver, but Hermoine, taking up his word, says: “Yes, this traitor was your friend!” then asks with anxious lips: “How was it you were so intimate with one untrue to Spain?”
“Your father trusted him, why shouldn’t I follow Alva’s lead,” returns the Englishman with ready tongue; but adds sadly: “I am sorry that after this my duty will compel me to run this Oliver through the body.”
Then with lie on his lips Guy turns suddenly away, for the Burgomaster’s rap is heard on the door. Opening [[161]]he speaks hurriedly to Bodé Volcker in a tone so sober that the old man stares at him in wonder and surprise.