This damsel is but their tool, as I will show, if your Highness will deign to give ear to me." "It were mere waste of time to listen to idle fabrications," replied Charles.

"The evidence against you is complete, and my opinion upon it is formed.

But what saith the maiden herself?
Is she willing that any grace be shown her persecutors ?" "The redress I have already obtained at the hands of your Highness is amply sufficient," replied Aveline.

"Great as has been the misery these two persons have occasioned me, and grievously as they have sought to injure me, I seek no further satisfaction; but would implore your Highness to pardon them.

Their own thoughts will be punishment enough." "Amply sufficient--for nothing can be more bitter," cried the old usurer, while a scornful smile curled Sir Giles's lips.
"Spoken as I expected you would speak, fair maiden," said Charles; "and, were there nothing else against them, I might listen to your kindly intercessions.