Ferdinand mused.  “I can think of none,” he said.  “Does Marie know of this summons? and has her anguish sent thee hither?  Or is it merely the pleadings of thine own heart, my Isabel?”

“She does not know it.  The summons appeared to me so strange and needless, I would not let her be informed till I had sought thee.”

“But thou seest it is not needless!” answered the King anxiously, for in the most trifling matter he ever sought her acquiescence.

“Needless it is not, my liege.  The life of the young foreigner, who has thrown himself so confidingly on our protection and friendship, must not be sacrificed without most convincing proofs of his guilt.  Marie’s evidence is indeed important; but would not your Grace’s purpose be equally attained, if that evidence be given to me, her native Sovereign, in private, without the dread formula which, if summoned before a court of justice, may have fatal effects on a mind and frame already so severely tried?  In my presence alone the necessary evidence may be given with equal solemnity, and with less pain to the poor sufferer herself.”

King Ferdinand again paused in thought.  “But her words must be on oath, Isabel.  Who will administer that oath?”

“Father Francis, if required.  But it will surely be enough if she swear the truth to me.  She cannot deceive me, even if she were so inclined.  I can mark a quivering lip or changing color, which others might pass unnoticed.”

“But how will this secret examination satisfy the friends of the murdered?” again urged the cautious King.  “How will they be satisfied, if I acquit Stanley from Donna Marie’s evidence, and that evidence be kept from them?”

“Is not the word of their Sovereign enough?  If Isabella say so it is, what noble of Castile would disgrace himself or her by a doubt as to its truth?” replied the Queen proudly.  “Let me clearly understand all your Grace requires, and leave the rest to me.  If Marie corroborates Garcia’s words, why, on his evidence sentence may be pronounced without her appearance in it at all; but if she deny in the smallest tittle his report, in my presence they shall confront each other, and fear not the truth shall be elicited, and, if possible, Stanley saved.  I may be deceived, and Marie not refuse to appear as witness against him; if so, there needs not my interference.  I would but spare her increase of pain, and bid her desolate heart cling to me as her mother and her friend.  When my subjects look upon me thus, my husband, then, and then only is Isabella what she would be.”

“And do they not already thus regard thee, my own Isabel?” replied the King, gazing with actual reverence upon her; “and as such, will future ages reverence thy name.  Be it as thou wilt.  Let Marie’s own feelings decide the question.  She must take part in this trial, either in public or private; she must speak on oath, for life and death hang on her words, and her decision must be speedy.  It is sunset now, and ere to-morrow’s noon she must have spoken, or be prepared to appear.”