“I am,” she replied, with a look of unutterable gratitude.
“With your Highness’s permission,” said Rodomont, “the prisoner shall be taken to the hospital of the Domus Dei, where he can remain till his wounds be healed, and if there be a spark of gratitude in his breast, the residue of his life will be devoted to extolling your Highness’s clemency.”
“I trust he may become a good Catholic through your instrumentality,” said the Prince to Constance. “Take him away,” he added to Rodomont.
Upon this Rodomont directed the bearers to remove the litter, and making a profound obeisance to the Prince, he followed it out of the room.
“My part in this strange performance is now over, I presume,” observed De Noailles to the Prince.
“Your excellency is at liberty to depart,” rejoined Philip, coldly. “Attend him,” he added, glancing at Alva and D’Egmont.
The look was so significant that it did not escape the ambassador, and caused him to pause.
“No treachery, I trust, is intended?” he said. “Your Highness will bear in mind that my person is sacred.”
“So is mine,” rejoined Philip, sternly. “Yet that circumstance did not save me from attack.”
“Your Highness would not insinuate——”