“I shall tell you nothing more, Roy!” said Isabella. “You do not comfort me in my troubles! You only make me feel worse!”
She turned to go.
“Stay here, stay here!” I exclaimed. “It has been years since I have heard your voice till now! Stay here and talk with me!”
And she stopped, dried her tears and did not go away from my side until the party broke up for the night.
There were some good things about the star after all. One need not follow all the hypocrisies of Earth. If Isabella wished to remain and talk with me, she could do so!
When I was alone in my apartments, listening to the heavy rain, I thought it all over. It was a murderer who wore the silver crown, the ’broidered robes, who was so kingly in his manner! A murderer was ruler of the star! Must I be one of his minions, I, Roy Lee?
He was our law. Why not kill ten men? Now and then in some such disagreeable way he made us all realize his power.
I was madly in love with Isabella, but, if I should marry her, Regan would possibly kill her!
What would Father Renaudin think now of the monster whom he had crowned? He ought to take the crown from his head and give it to me! I was the more worthy. No blood stained my hands; my station, education and character were suited to the position. That name, or title, of king seemed very powerful with Isabella!
It was no use to gnash my teeth and roll on my bed. I dashed the long curtain away for air and thought the matter over. It was Regan who made the laws. If I spoke of a republic, he laughed at me and said: