Oh, gracious Sovereign!" And Marie sunk down at her feet, clasping her robe in supplication.

"Say but I may see him in life once more; that life still lingers, if it be but to tell me once more he forgives me.

Oh, let me but hear his voice; but once, only once, and I will be calm--quite calm; I will try to bear this bitter agony.

Only let me see him, hear him speak again.

Thou knowest not, thou canst not know, how my heart yearns for this." "See him thou shalt, my poor girl, if it will give thee aught of comfort; but hear him, alas! alas! my child, would that it might be! Would for Spain and her Sovereign's sake, then how much more for thine, that voice could be recalled; and life, if but for the briefest space, return! Alas! the blow was but too well aimed." "The blow! what blow?
How did he die?
Who slew him ?" gasped Marie; her look of wild and tearless agony terrifying Isabella, whose last words had escaped unintentionally.