Be it as thou wilt.

Let Marie's own feelings decide the question.

She _must_ take part in this trial, either in public or private; she _must_ speak on oath, for life and death hang on her words, and her decision must be speedy.

It is sunset now, and ere to-morrow's noon she must have spoken, or be prepared to appear." Ere Queen Isabella reached her own apartments her plan was formed.

Don Luis's tale had confirmed her suspicions as to the double cause of Marie's wretchedness; she had herself administered to her while in that dead faint--herself bent over her, lest the first words of returning consciousness should betray aught which the sufferer might wish concealed; but her care had been needless: no word passed those parched and ashy lips.