There is a great cause weighing in the balance against all personal considerations.

If I accounted Richard of more value to Monmouth than I am myself, I should not hesitate in riding to set him free by taking his place.

As it is, however, I think I am of the greatest conceivable importance to His Grace, whilst if twenty Richards perished--frankly--their loss would be something of a gain, for Richard has played a traitor's part already.

That is with me the first of all considerations." "Am I of no consideration to you ?" she asked him.

And in an agony of terror for her brother she now approached him, and, obeying a sudden impulse, cast herself upon her knees before him.