Page 210 [210]
OCR
\ LABOULAY E78 FATRY BOOK force me to reveal. The queen never loved me; ambition alone dictated her conduct." “That is not so," said the stranger, letting go the prince’s hand. ‘‘The queen loved you.” “No, madam,” replied Charming; "my father and I were the victims of a detestable intrigue.” " Enough!" said the stranger, whose hands trembled and whose fingers worked in a strange manner. “Respect the dead; do not slander them." “Madam,” said the prince, "I assure you, and none ever doubted my word, that the queen never loved me. She was a wicked woman." “Ah!’’ said the domino. “Wilful, violent, and jealous.” “Tf she was jealous, she loved you," interrupted the mask. ‘‘Seek for proofs which have at least a shadow of probability; do not accuse a heart which was wholly yours.” “So far from loving me,” said the king, excitedly, "the very night of my marriage she dared tell me to my face that she had married me only for my crown.” ‘That is not true,” said the gipsy, raising her hand. “TI swear it,” replied Charming. “You lie!" cried the stranger. And, lo! a box on the ear blinded the prince; the blow was repeated, and the stranger fled. The king stepped back furious, and sought the hilt of his 170
