Yes, yes, we must give the world a new example of our incorruptible justice, which overtakes every one, however high and mighty he may be, and however near our throne he may stand.
Really, really, it grieves our heart to lay low this oak which we had planted so near our throne, that we might lean upon it and support ourselves by it; but justice demands this sacrifice, and we will make it--not in wrath and spite, but only to meet the sacred and painful duty of our royalty.

We have greatly loved this duke, and it grieves us to tear this love from our heart." And with his hand, glittering with jewels, the king wiped from his eyes the tears which were not there.
"But how ?" asked the king, then, after a pause, "will you have the courage to repeat your accusation publicly before Parliament?
Will you, his wife, and you, his mistress, publicly swear with a sacred oath to the truth of your declaration ?" "I will do so," said the duchess, solemnly, "for he is no longer my husband, no longer the father of my children, but simply the enemy of my king; and to serve him is my most sacred duty." "I will do so," cried Miss Holland, with a bewitching smile; "for he is no longer my lover, but only a traitor, an atheist, who is audacious enough to recognize as the holy head of Christendom that man at Rome who has dared to hurl his curse against the sublime head of our king.

It is this, indeed, that has torn my heart from the duke, and that has made me now hate him as ardently as I once loved him." With a gracious smile, the king presented both his hands to the two women.

"You have done me a great service to-day, my ladies," said he, "and I will find a way to reward you for it.

I will give you, duchess, the half of his estate, as though you were his rightful heir and lawful widow.