“They will imagine that thou art meditating, or awaiting inspiration. Listen to me a moment. Thou knowest that the past is mine by right, and that I can narrate it to thee. Not so the future.”
“Proceed.”
“A little patience, please. Thou art about to speak, for the last time, with the Countess of Rionuevo, and it is my duty to recount a certain history to thee.”
“It is useless; I forgive that woman.”
“It concerns Elena,” quietly observed Death.
“How?”
“It refers to your nobility, and marriage to her.”
“Noble! I—? It is true, the king has made me a duke.”
“Monteclaro would not be content with an adventurer. Thou hast need of ancestors.”