Robert shook his head.
“The law demands my death as the very seal of your innocence. But it is better to die thus in your service than to live forever having wronged you in a thought.”
Fighting emotions swayed Perpetua’s soul. Hardly knowing what she said, she spoke quickly:
“You must not die. Your life is very dear to me. I love you.” Her cheeks flamed crimson as she spoke, but her lips and her eyes were steadfast.
Robert shook his head.
“You could not love this monster. You pity me and you call your pity love.”
All Syracuse watched and wondered at the colloquy between the redeemed maid and the mysterious fool who had taken the place of the Lord Hildebrand. Now they saw Perpetua spring to her feet.
“I love you,” she said to Robert, “for I love your noble soul.”
She left him and advanced to the place where the figure like the King sat. “King,” she cried, so that all could hear, “give me this man!”