"To stroll in the shadows, where
even the moon is blind, is a joy that love alone provides. Come, fair
mistress, share this joy with me."
With that his hand closed over her soft arm above the elbow and she was
drawn close to his side. Beverly's first shock of revulsion was
succeeded by the distressing certainty that Baldos was a helpless
witness of this indignity. She tried to jerk her arm away, but he held
it tight.
"Release my arm, sir!" she cried, hoarse with passion.
"Call your champion, my lady. It will mean his death. I have evidence
that will insure his conviction and execution within an hour. Nothing
could Call him, I say, and--"
"I _will_ call him. He is my sworn protector, and I will command
him to knock you down if you don't go away," she flared, stopping
decisively.
"At his peril--"
"Baldos!" she called, without a second's hesitation. The guard came up
with a rush just as Marlanx released her arm and fell away with a
muttered imprecation.
"Your highness!" cried Baldos, who had witnessed everything.
"Are you afraid to die?" she demanded briefly; and clearly.
"No!"
"That is all," she said, suddenly calm. "I merely wanted to prove it to
Count Marlanx." Tact had come to her relief most opportunely. Like a
flash she saw that a conflict between the commander of the army and a
guard could have but one result and that disastrous to the latter.
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