Those about her saw Madame Henrietta start and turn pale, but they did not think much of the matter; and, being bidden to the feast, were soon moving from the room.
Arthur heard the intimation given by the general, and said, naturally enough, to the colonel, “Is she a friend of the Stuarts?”
“She is, I believe, suspected,” replied the discreet colonel, turning away.
The young bridegroom looked pityingly at Madame, and she saw that he did so. As the company were leaving the room Arthur came up to the lady, and began talking idly to her, but when the room was empty of all but themselves—when the little bride had flown to her room, and the general had gone to consult with his officers—she said in answer to some question of his, “Cavalier!”
Quickly he answered, “You may trust me, lady. Speak, speak.”
“May I speak, even if my head is in danger?”
“You shudder. Be not afraid. Speak, whoever you are; I will save you. Speak softly, or thou mayest be heard.”
“Save me! too late. The fate of Charles will be the fate of his wife.”
“The queen, the queen!” the young lord whispered, half in respect, half in fear, and he sank upon his knee.
“’Tis a mockery to kneel to me.”