“Yes!”
Still for a moment longer her eyes clung to mine, ere, turning, she moved slowly to where the general stood beside the table. “Send these men away!” she said in a low voice, though every word was plain to hear. The room was very still. For a moment he looked surprised, then:
“Major Verbrughen,” he said sternly, “it would be well for you to make enquiries at the harbour. I think that you will find there all that we wish to know. And another time, sir, be not so hasty in jumping to conclusions! Colonel Zulestein, be good enough to remain within call!”
The three officers saluted with military brevity and left the room.
“Now, madam,” he continued, reseating himself, “you wish to speak to me?”
Even from where I stood I could see that it was only with an effort that she conquered her emotion as she drew a step nearer to him.
“Sir Charles Trevelyan,” she said in a low voice, “a year ago you did me the honour to ask me to become your wife. Oh, by the memory of the love you then professed for me grant me this that now I ask—spare this man’s life!”
I stared at her in speechless surprise. This was not my lady, proud and cold, but a passionate woman pleading for life itself. I think that the general was equally astonished.
“Madam,” he said at length, “I would that you had asked me anything but this. With the country so unsettled, an example must be made—there is no other course to take. For your brother’s landing and for the late rising here, I fear I can hold out little hope but that your estates will be confiscated. Believe me, dear lady, such influence as I possess shall be used in your behalf; but this—this that you have asked is impossible.”
“Ah, no,” my lady cried in a pitiful voice, “not impossible, my lord, for with you rests the power of life and death, and in your hands lies all my future happiness! What has he done that he should deserve to die? What has he done that you would not have done had you been in his place—for me? Ah, my lord, my lord, be generous to me in this!”