‘That of itself makes high treason! To threaten the life of the Sovereign is enough—the law still holds good in my realms to punish such crime with death. This one charge alone against Mercia is sufficient! She must die the death of a felon, and pay for her temerity,’ returned Felicitas, who thus interpreted the law with much assumption of dignity, to suit his own convenience. ‘The nation will not see Mercia die for such a dastard as thou!’ exclaimed Geometrus, suddenly awakening from the stupor of surprise that had overtaken him, as the matter developed itself. ‘I saw thee last week philandering around her, but at that time I understood not its meaning; neither did she; otherwise she would have taken more precaution in receiving thee. Even then, she requested me to remain in the room when she gave thee an audience. She surely had some instinct that thou wert not to be trusted—ah—now I see it all!’ ‘A trusty witness truly! She and thou have spent the time philandering yourselves, and this is why thou measureth me a peck out of thine own bushel. Thou shalt be indicted, Geometrus, for breaking the oath of thine engagement. Thou hast been spending the nation’s time love-making, and hatching high treason,—all three of you shall repent your little games.’ ‘Blacking the character of another will not clear thine own. These wholesale indictments of thine will not serve thee. Thy case is a poor one, and thou hadst better own thy fault, rather than invent outrageous charges against thine accusers;’ urged the old man with greater calmness than he had hitherto displayed. ‘Mercia made the admission herself,’ replied Felicitas. ‘She said she loved Geometrus and fain would marry him if she might.’ At this Geometrus started, and went very red in the face; being totally unprepared for this avowal of the Emperor; which gave him a sudden pleasure he was unable to conceal. ‘There is proof abundant, if more be wanting, of the nature of the Emperor’s business with Mercia,’ observed Sadbag reflectively, then turning to the Emperor, he demanded—‘What happened that this matter of Geometrus’s love was discussed between you?’ ‘She desired me to use my influence with my Cabinet to get the custom changed which hath been so long observed, so that she might retain her post and take a husband at the same time.’ ‘And thou, in thy great benevolence and generosity didst promise, and finish by trying to make her pay for the boon by accommodating thy desire?’ suggested Sadbag, following up the clue the Emperor’s admissions had given him. ‘I will answer no more of thy questions, fellow,’ responded Felicitas, who looking very uncomfortable made for the door. ‘I think this business is getting too hot for thy Majesty; thy capers are costing too dearly. What folly to count on a strong-minded woman like thine astronomer! Why didst thou not make advances to some idle lady of thy court where such favours are dispensed more readily?’