"Is lost at sea, and so thou art the only claimant."
"Canst prove it?"
"His name appeared, 'tis said, in every print, as one lost in a king's ship, that went down at sea, in a storm off Calais four years ago."
"'Tis better than I thought. Yet he was a brave lad! Does Lady Lester know of thy presence here?"
"She lives secluded in the White Hall, and knows naught that passeth in the world. But did she, am I not beyond the reach of justice, should she seek my death on suspicion of slaying thee? Was I not tried and nothing found against me—as how should there be? I am an exile and under sentence. Ha, ha, law cannot reach me; and man, unaided by it, dare not. I reign here; I rule all minds. It is they who fear, not I. They are the slaves of superstition, and I make them obedient to my will. Even thou, proud man, dost acknowledge my power."
"I do, Elpsy."
"Therefore shalt thou have its aid in thy wooing."
"Nay, first let me try my fortunes on the footing of our former love."
"If she will not listen to thee?"
"She will."