With her husband she could speak of Arthur calmly; to herself she would not even think his name: not merely lest he should unwittingly deceive again, but that the recollection of _his_ suffering--and caused by her--ever created anew, thoughts and feelings which she had vowed unto herself to bury, and for ever.
Gloom was on every face she encountered in the castle.

The very soldiers, as they saluted her as the wife of their general, appeared to gaze upon her with rude, yet earnest commiseration; but neither word nor rumor reached her ear.

Several times she essayed to ask of her husband, but the words died in a soundless quiver on her lip.

Yet if it were what she dreaded, that Stanley had fulfilled his threat, and they had fought, and one had fallen--why was she thus summoned?
And had not Morales resolved to avoid him; for her sake not to avenge Arthur's insulting words?
And again the thought of their fatal secret obtained ascendency.

Five minutes more, and she stood alone in the presence of her Sovereign.
* * * * * It was told; and with such deep sympathy, so gently, so cautiously, that all of rude and stunning shock was averted; but, alas! who could breathe of consolation at such a moment?
Isabella did not attempt it; but permitted the burst of agony full vent.