“Oh!” she moaned, piteously, and, clenching her hands, she carried them to her eyes as if to shut out the sight.  The Countess Halfont and Dagmar ran to her side, the latter frantic with alarm.  She knew more than the others.

“Are you the fugitive?” cried Bolaroz.

I am Grenfall Lorry.  Are you Bolaroz?’

“The father of the man you murdered.  Ah, this is rapture!”

“I have only to say to your Highness, I did not kill your son.  I swear it, so help me God!”

“Your Highness,” cried Bolaroz, stepping to the throne, “destroy that decree.  This brave soldier has saved Graustark.  In an hour your ministers and mine will have drawn up a ten Tears’ extension of time, in proper form, to which my signature shall be gladly attached.  I have not forgotten my promise.”

Yetive straightened suddenly, seized the pen and fiercely began to sign the decree, in spite of all and before those about her fairly realized her intention.  Lorry understood, and was the first to snatch the document from her hands.  A half-written Yetive, a blot and a long, spluttering scratch of the pen told how near she had come to signing away the lands of Graustark, forgetful of the fact that it could be of no benefit to the prisoner she loved.

“Yetive!” gasped her uncle, in horror.

“She would have signed,” cried Gaspon, in wonder and alarm.

“Yes, I would have signed!” she exclaimed, starting to her feet, strong and defiant.  “I could not have saved his life, perhaps, but I might have saved him from the cruel injustice that that man’s vengeance would have invented.  He is innocent, and I would give my kingdom to stay the wrong that will be done.”

“What!  You defend the dog!” cried Bolaroz.  “Seize him, men!  I will see that justice is done.  It is no girl he has to deal with now.”

“Stop!” cried the Princess, the command checking the men.  Quinnox leaped in front of his charge.  “He is my prisoner, and he shall have justice.  Keep back your soldiery, Prince Bolaroz.  It is a girl you have to deal with.  I will say to you all, my people and yours, that I believe him to be innocent and that I sincerely regret his capture, fortunate as it may be for us.  He shall have a fair and a just trial, and I shall do all in my power, Prince Bolaroz, to secure his acquittal.”

“Why do you take this stand, Yetive?  Why have you tried to shield him?” cried the heartbroken Halfont.

She drew herself to her full height, and, sweeping the threatening crowd with a challenge in her eyes, cried, the tones ringing strong and clear above the growing tumult: 

“Because I love him!”

As if by magic the room became suddenly still.