He possessed a noble figure, and a handsome
face in spite of his Egyptian skin. Like most young gentlemen, he
might be conscious of these advantages, and attribute the artless
approbation, the innocent smiles of my gracious queen, to a source more
flattering to his vanity. I have known many lords, not far from your
majesty, make similar mistakes on as little grounds," added she,
looking disdainfully toward some of the younger nobles; "and,
therefore, to prevent such insolence, I desired his final dismission."
"Thank you, my dear Jane," replied the king; "you almost persuade me of
Margaret's innocence."
"Believe it, sire!" cried she with animation; "whatever romantic
thoughtlessness her youth and inexperience may have led her into, I
pledge my life on her purity."
"First, let us hear what that French woman has to say to the
assignation," exclaimed Soulis, whose polluted heart could not suppose
the existence of true purity, and whose cruel disposition exulted in
torturing and death; "question her, and then her majesty may have full
acquittal."
Again the brow of Edward was overcast. The fiends of jealously once
more tugged at his heart; and ordering the Countess of Gloucester to
withdraw he commanded the Baroness de Pontoise to be brought into his
presence.
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