"I am not strong enough to bear your Majesty's unjust frown.

I have tried to do right, tried to please you and the duchess--everybody, and this is my reward! I know little of Master Hamilton, having seen him only a few times in all my life.

If I had no other cause to shun him, his character would be sufficient." Again the handkerchief was brought to the eyes effectively, for the purpose of giving the king a little time in which to see how grievously he had wronged her.

It required but little time for him to realize how cruel he had been, and in a moment he said pleadingly:-- "Your king asks your forgiveness.

I do not suspect you of having gone to see Hamilton.