This fresh shock proved too much for her endurance. Exhausted with emotion, she fell, striking her head upon the foot of the bed, and lay there motionless upon the floor. Lebeau sprang to her, raised her in his arms, and placed her gently upon the bed; then he bent above her pallid face.
"Swooned!" he murmured, as if speaking to himself.
With folded arms Lord Mowbray watched him, following every movement with an ironical smile.
"Master Lebeau!" he said, breaking the silence.
"My lord?" answered Lebeau, turning and facing him, pale but resolute.
"Do you still deny that you have played me false?"
"More than ever do I affirm that I have served your lordship faithfully."
"By thwarting my plans and robbing me of this girl?"
"By robbing you of this girl, yes. It was my duty."
"Your duty? That is the first time I have ever heard the word upon your lips."