"Say no more, either of you," said the admiral, decisively. "You, sir, came here as an enemy, a spy."
"Not so, sir. I came here in the uniform of a French officer."
"But that is not the uniform of the flag under which you now serve," continued the admiral, keenly. "You may secure some consideration, however, at my hands as representing his Majesty the King, God bless him! by revealing the circumstances and plans and the ultimate purpose of your rebellious captain."
"Clearly an impossible proposition," said O'Neill, bowing.
"But stop!" said the admiral, "now that I recall it, you gave me your word of honor that you came here to see this lady."
"And that is true, sir. I might have escaped to my ship with ease, in possession of the information I desired to get, but I came up to the castle to see her."
"A most foolish excursion, sir, and why, pray?"
"Because I love her," said O'Neill, calmly.
"What!" cried Coventry, in great surprise and dismay. "Did you know this, Elizabeth?"
"Is a woman ever ignorant of the feelings she excites in a lover's breast, sir?" O'Neill answered for her.