Believe me, on this point no more is necessary. I have no doubt--
there can be no doubt--that the Prince lies under a misapprehension.
Nevertheless, there are circumstances which lay me under obligation
to him." He paused. "And you will admit that you have placed the
lady--thoughtlessly no doubt--in a false position."
"Well and good, sir," I replied. "If, in your opinion as a man of
honour, the error demands a victim, by all means call in your
soldiers and settle me. I stipulate only that you escort the lady
back to her people with honour, under a flag of truce; and I protest
only, as she has protested, that this traitor has no warrant to sell
you his country's rights."
The Prince had picked himself up, and stood sulkily, still in his
corner. I suppose that he was going to answer this denunciation,
when the priest's voice broke in, smooth and unctuous.
"Pardon me, _messeri_, but there occurs to me a more excellent way.
This Englishman has brought dishonour on one of the Colonne:
therefore it is most necessary that he should die. But before dying
let him make the only reparation--and marry her.
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