Dead silence fell on all as her litter was set down at the foot of the steps.
“Here is the Duchess to speak for herself,” said Gerard.
She was pale and fragile, but her eyes were burning, and her soft voice thrilled all as she spoke.
“I have heard what has passed, my lord,” she said to Gerard; “and I have come here to protest against this contemplated wrong—the last of many I have endured at my husband’s hands. I will not have that innocent girl sacrificed. I protest solemnly against this infamy, in the name of God, the Holy Church, and of the laws of France.”
The effort seemed to exhaust her strength, and as she fell back faint and white, Gabrielle ran and knelt beside her.
Gerard paused for the Governor to speak, but rage deprived him of words.
“What say you now, my lord?” asked Gerard.
“This is a plot against me—a damnable scheme to try and put me to shame here,” cried the infuriated Governor. “You shall have an answer, never fear; and one little to your liking. Seize that man,” he cried to his officers, pointing to Gerard with a hand that shook with rage.
“Should not the hall be cleared?” said de Proballe, roused to great alarm for himself now at the fiasco of his plans.
The answer came from Gerard in a loud tone that resounded through the vast hall.