At the foot of the dais Beatrix stopped, but the Queen would not have it so, and with gentle insistence she drew her up the steps.  And Richard met them half way, and with him on one side and the Queen on the other, she stood before the Court.

Then the King raised his hand for silence.

“Behold!” he said, “the lost Lady of Clare!” and kissed her finger tips, while the cheers swelled forth afresh.

She curtsied low in response, and sought to descend to her place.  But Richard detained her.

“Fair Countess,” he said, “the Lord Darby stands here accused of your abduction, and of complicity in the late rebellion; we have sent for you to testify your knowledge in these matters.”

Beatrix’s face grew grave, and for a little while she made no answer.

“I implore you, Sire, relieve me from the duty,” she said.  “Safe now and freed from my captor’s power, I want never to look upon him nor to speak his name, being well content to let God in His Providence punish the crime against me.”

“Your words are earnest of your gracious heart,” said the King.  “But for the honor and name of fair England, it may not be settled so.  If Lord Darby be guilty, then must he suffer punishment, were it for no other reason than that our laws demand it.  If he be innocent, it is his bounden right to receive full acquittance here in the presence of those before whom he has been arraigned.  Speak! as your Sovereign I command.  Who was your abductor?”

The Countess clasped her hands before her and hesitated.  Then for the first time, she let her eyes rest upon Darby; and the sight of him seemed to nerve her; and she raised her arm and pointed at him with accusing finger, while her voice rang out full and strong: 

“There he stands—­Lord Darby of Roxford!  By his orders I was seized and carried to his castle, where he came and sought first to persuade, and then to force me into marriage with him.  And when I scorned him, he swore with words insulting he would hold me prisoner until he and Buckingham had made a King of Henry Tudor, when he would wed me whether I wished or no.  Later it seems he somewhat changed his plans, and instead of joining openly with Henry he remained with you, Sire; yet with full intention, as he, himself, assured me, to cleave to whatever side was winning in the battle.  So was he sure, he said, to be in favor with whomever wore the crown.  Of all these crimes and treasons is yonder false lord guilty.  And had not Sir John De Bury and Sir Aymer de Lacy carried by storm his Castle of Roxford, I would yet be a prisoner to him.”

And the very thought brought quick reaction and her courage ebbed, and turning her back upon the Court, she covered her face with her hands.