It was short but it was sweet. Would that you had
let the play go on. There was a spice in it that made life worth living
and death worth the dying. Have you other commands for me, your
highness?" His manner was so cool and defiant that she felt the tears
spring to her eyes.
"Only that you put up your sword and end this miserable affair by going
to your--your room."
"It is punishment enough. To-morrow's execution can be no harder."
Marlanx had been thinking all this time. Into his soul came the thrill
of triumph, the consciousness of a mighty power. He saw the chance to
benefit by the sudden clash and he was not slow to seize it.
"Never fear, my man," he said easily, "it won't be as bad as that. I can
well afford to overlook your indiscretion of to-night. There will be no
execution, as you call it. This was an affair between men not between
man and the state. Our gracious referee is to be our judge. It is for
her to pardon and to condemn. It was very pretty while it lasted and you
are too good a swordsman to be shot. Go your way, Baldos, and remember
me as Marlanx the man, not Marlanx the general. As your superior
officer, I congratulate and commend you upon the manner in which you
serve the princess."
"You will always find me ready to fight and to die for her" said Baldos
gravely. "Do you think you can remember that. Count Marlanx?"
"I have an excellent memory," said the count steadily.
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