"On the contrary, I re-affirm it; but, I offer you a divorce."
I shrugged my shoulders and made no reply.
"You see, Sire," she said, "how reasonable he is. He condescends to be consistent only if, by forcing me to perjure myself, he can further his—schemes"—and she deliberately turned and looked at the Princess.
I stepped quickly between them.
She laughed scornfully.
"How like you, Armand," she said. "It's only a short while since you were just as thoughtful for me."
I was too angry to reply, but she could read my thoughts in my eyes. And she answered them with a taunting smile and a toss of her head.
So there was silence, for a space; then, she spoke to Courtney:
"I understand. Your Excellency refuses me your protection because I am a Valerian subject?"
Courtney bowed.