"Heh! sly puss, do not you trust me?"
"Well, then, my lord, set this young gentleman free."
"Oh, ho! So he is a gentleman!" cried the King. "Then he is not an apprentice?"
"He is most certainly innocent," said she.
"I do not see it in that light," said the King, coldly. "I am the supreme judge in my kingdom, and it is my duty to punish malefactors."
"Fay, come, do not put on your considering face. Grant me the young man's life!"
"Would not that be giving you back what is your own?"
"Sire," said she, "I am honest and virtuous. You are mocking me."
"Well, then," said the King, "as I cannot see my way in this business, let Tristan throw some light upon it."
Marie de Sassenage turned pale. With a violent effort she said: