Is there no way to prevent this public exposure, and yet serve the purpose equally ?" Ferdinand mused.

"I can think of none," he said.

"Does Marie know of this summons?
and has her anguish sent thee hither?
Or is it merely the pleadings of thine own heart, my Isabel ?" "She does not know it.

The summons appeared to me so strange and needless, I would not let her be informed till I had sought thee." "But thou seest it is not needless!" answered the King anxiously, for in the most trifling matter he ever sought her acquiescence.
"Needless it is not, my liege.

The life of the young foreigner, who has thrown himself so confidingly on our protection and friendship, must not be sacrificed without most convincing proofs of his guilt.
Marie's evidence is indeed important; but would not your Grace's purpose be equally attained, if that evidence be given to me, her native Sovereign, in private, without the dread formula which, if summoned before a court of justice, may have fatal effects on a mind and frame already so severely tried?
In my presence alone the necessary evidence may be given with equal solemnity, and with less pain to the poor sufferer herself." King Ferdinand again paused in thought.