Hildebrand caught at the admission exultantly.
“You hear him? Secure him!”
All his supporters, save Hieronymus, ebbed away from Robert. Two of Sigurd’s soldiers seized him. Whatever chance there might have been of rescuing Perpetua was lost.
Hildebrand went on, triumphantly:
“Against witchcraft no sanctuary prevails. Let no man hinder the King’s justice on pain of death.”
Lycabetta, who had crept near to Perpetua, whispered in her ear:
“My lord Flame is a fierce lover. He clings close and he kisses quick and he will not spare your modesty. You will burn like a bright torch.”
Then Lycabetta went out of the church as she had come in, with a smile on her face.
Perpetua called to Hieronymus. “Is there no help?”
“There is no help,” Hieronymus answered, despairingly.