"Nay, Isabel, their sole help will be to torture and burn! They will accuse her of insulting, by years of deceit, the holy faith, of which she has appeared a member.

Nay, perchance of using foul magic on Morales (whom the saints preserve), and then thou knowest what will follow!" The Queen shuddered.

"Never with my consent, my husband! From the first moment I beheld this unfortunate, something attracted me towards her; her misery deepened the feeling; and even now, knowing what she is, affection lingers.

The Holy Virgin give me pardon, if 'tis sin!" "For such sin I will give thee absolution, dearest," replied the King, half jestingly, half earnestly.

"Do not look so grave.