This gave him occasion to save his credit at the risk of his back.

He broke the one and I the other.

Now I will hear the Marquess.' The Marquess tugged at his sword.

'And I, Count of Poictou--'; but King Philip held out his sceptre, he too very much a king.
'And we, Count of Poictou,' he said, 'command you by your loyalty to tell us what Saint-Pol dared say of our sister Dame Alois.' Although his thin boy's voice quavered, he seemed the more royal for the human weakness.

Richard was greatly moved, thawed in a moment.
'God forgive me, Philip, but I cannot tell thee--' Pity broke up his tones.
The young king almost whimpered: 'Oh, Richard, what is this ?' But Richard turned away his face.