"You said but now this house was held under heavy guard." "I spoke truly.

I may not step forth into the air but some savage is at my side driving me back again.

Oftentimes they peer within when the Queen is absent, to assure themselves that I am safely caged." "And this Naladi--does she treat you well ?" The swift color mounted into her clear cheeks.
"Not ill, so far, at least, as relates to the physical," she responded gravely.

"No hand has been angrily laid upon me since I was dragged forth from the altar-house.

Yet there are other forms of torture; and she constantly mocks me with my helplessness, and, I believe, even hates me for no better reason than that I stand between her and the Chevalier." "You have seen him ?" "No; but have heard his voice while he held private converse with her, the shameless wanton; have listened to words ill suited to the ears of a wife.