I rage in my household when the whim takes me, and I am hot-headed, and masterful, and slothful, and should belike be untrue if there were any force to drive me thereto.

And I suffer my husband to go after other women, and this new thrall is especial, so that I may take my pleasure unstayed with other men whom I love not greatly.

Yes, I am foolish, and empty-headed, and unclean.

And all this he will see through my queenly state, and my golden gown, and my white skin withal." Agatha looked on her curiously, but smiling no more.

At last she said: "What is to do, then?
or must I think of something for thee ?" "I know not, I know not," said the Lady between her sobs; "yet if I might be in such case that he might pity me; belike it might blind his eyes to the ill part of me.