And I might save him. It was in my power, by submitting to my imperious captor and promising to marry him, to save my own beloved from a truly awful death. I could do it, and no one else. And it did not so much matter what happened to me, if his precious life was saved. If he died I should be miserable, wherever I was; if he lived I should have the consolation of knowing that, to lighten my own dark lot. I was in poor health, my spirits depressed and my soul sickened by my captivity and the knowledge that my absence would afflict my dear mistress and make her very anxious. No one was at hand to advise me--no one but Sir Claudius' sisters, and I could not consult them. What was I to do? 'Sacrifice myself,' answered my heart, 'sacrifice myself for him I love.' Sir Claudius did not leave me long to think it over. 'I must press for an answer now, immediately,' he said, returning. 'Oh, but please wait a little,' said I, tearfully. 'I cannot answer you now, not just now,' I pleaded. 'Give me a little time. Give me at least until the evening.' 'No, you must promise now,' said he imperiously. 'But--but----' I sobbed, putting up both my hands to my face, like a child, and crying as if my heart would break. 'Now, or never? It is the only chance you can have of saving Sir Hubert Blair's life. And, look you, Madam, if you do not----' leaning forward he whispered that the gallows was waiting for its prey. I shrank back. My heart felt frozen. I laughed with bitter recklessness. Thus talked he who said he loved me! I wrung my hands. 'Why was I born?' I lamented. 'And why did my father send me away from home?' 'Do you consent, madam?' demanded the ruffian who had me in his power. I started violently. The outlook was appalling. 'May I see Sir Hubert Blair once? Just once, that I may take my leave of him?' I asked beseechingly. 'No, no. That is too much to ask.' 'But, unless I see him I cannot consent,' I said, temporizing. 'You see,' a little hope came into my heart, 'I am not sure whether you are speaking the truth about him, or not. He was certainly in a desperate state--one against six--when I saw him last, but he is tremendously strong and he had his sword, therefore he may have escaped.' 'I tell you we took him prisoner with you.' 'Unless I see him, I cannot believe he is a prisoner here,' I persisted. 'Ho! So you doubt me?' 'Yes.' I bowed my head. 'I doubt you altogether.' 'And you do not think Sir Hubert is here?' 'I do not know. I do not know anything. Allow me to see him--allow me only to see him for one minute--and then, then, if I see him here, in your power, and if you will vow that you will not only liberate him but also send him safely across to Holland, I will consent to do as you wish.' 'To marry me.' 'Yes.' Sir Claudius looked hideously triumphant. 'It won't be such a bad bargain,' he said, leering at me.