“You must not give way.�

“It is a lie, a dastardly lie!� she panted out at last.

“It is God’s truth,� said I. “He repudiates you.�

“No man could be so base,� she persisted, “he swore that he loved me.�

“I would it were otherwise, madam, but he is gone, leaving that message for you.�

“And he made you his messenger?�

“I volunteered.�

“Why? Why?�

“Because he is a low coward.�

“And you stood by and let him insult me, your patron’s daughter, your mistress?�