They beat me until I was insensible and then brought me here, together with my travelling cases, which they removed from my room to convey the impression that I had gone away voluntarily.

When I awakened from my swoon I was in this room, with the doctor bending over me." "The doctor ?" "Oh, they have a doctor in this accursed den, as well as a priest and a lawyer.

The Duke entreated my pardon.

He will punish his men for abusing me.

But he holds me a safe prisoner, just the same." "Why ?" "He wants a ransom.