Never leave my son.' 'I never mean to leave him,' said Jehane.

'That is my punishment, and (I think) his also.' 'His punishment, my child ?' 'Why, Madame,' said Jehane, 'you think that the King must wed.' 'Yes, yes.' 'And to wed, he must put me away.' 'Yes, yes, child.' 'Therefore, although he loves me, he may never have his dear desire; and although I love him, I may give him no comfort.

Yet we can never leave each other for fear of the leper's prophecy; but he must always long and I grieve.

That, I think, is punishment for a man and woman.' The Queen-Mother sobbed.

Terrible punishment for a little pleasant sin! Yet I doubt'-- she said, politic through all--'yet I doubt my son, being a fierce lover, will have his way with thee.' Jehane shook her head.