"The Council of nobles," she said, "are agreed to admit Sybil's right, and to pay their homage to her as Queen, if she on her part will accept one condition dictated by them. But if she refuse the condition, they refuse the allegiance; and will raise against her the banner of Isabel, who was called into the Council, and declared herself ready to accept it."
"And—the condition?"
"That she shall divorce Count Guy, and wed with one of themselves."
It seemed to me as though my head went round, but my heart stood still. And then a cry broke from me, which was a mixture of fear, and indignation, and disdain, and cruel, cruel anguish.
Sybil to divorce Guy! Our sweet-eyed, silver-voiced Sybil, whom we so loved, to divorce my Guy, my king of men! To be willing to do it!—to purchase her fair, proud inheritance at the price of the heart which loved her, and which she loved! My heart and brain alike cried out, Impossible!
Was I dreaming? This thing could not be,—should not be! Holy Saints, let me wake and know it!
"It is not possible!" I shrieked. "She will not—she cannot! Did she not say so?"
"Her first words," said Lady Judith, "were utterly and indignantly to refuse compliance."
"Well!—and then?"
"Then several of the nobles pressed it upon her, endeavouring to show her the advantages to be derived from the divorce."