"For the love of Heaven, a matter of life or death!" said Isotta, and in her despair she would have knelt, only Valentine dragged her back beside her.
"It is very serious," she said. "After the Duke has entered, we may leave?" she asked. "Indeed, ye cannot stay us."
"Aye, leave after the Duke has entered, but now, clear yourself away; my lord comes apace, some allies with him——" and with a wave of his halberd he swept them back.
Valentine flushed at his tone, yet drew back, her hand on the page's shoulder.
But Isotta struggled free and again rushed forward.
"I will pass!" she cried wildly. "I will! I have not got so far to be stopped now!"
"Oh! thy madness!" murmured Valentine.
But Isotta had rushed to the very gate itself, and was only forced back by the pikes at her breast.
The officer looked at the group with mistrust.
"What is this?" he said. "What means this passion?"