The Queen's look, as she turned it on Angele, apparently had in it what
must have struck terror to even a braver soul than that of the helpless
Huguenot girl.

"So it is thus you spend the hours of night? God's faith, but you are
young to be so wanton!" she cried in a sharp voice. "Get you from my
sight and out of my kingdom as fast as horse and ship may carry you--as
feet may bear you." Leicester's face lighted to hear. "Your high
Majesty," pleaded the girl, dropping on her knees, "I am innocent. As
God lives, I am innocent."

"The man, then, only is guilty?" the Queen rejoined with scorn. "Is it
innocent to be here at night, my palace gates shut, with your lover-
alone?" Leicester laughed at the words.

"Your Majesty, oh, your gracious Majesty, hear me. We were not alone--
not alone--"

There was a rustle of curtains, a heavy footstep, and Lempriere of Rozel
staggered into the room. De la Foret ran to help him, and throwing an
arm around him, almost carried him towards the couch. Lempriere,
however, slipped from De la Foret's grasp to his knees on the floor
before the Queen.

"Not alone, your high and sacred Majesty, I am here--I have been here
through all. I was here when Mademoiselle came, brought hither by trick
of some knave not fit to be your immortal Majesty's subject. I speak the
truth, for I am butler to your Majesty and no liar. I am Lempriere of
Rozel."