"But he will. When it is told him that I have--have done these things for my sister's sake, he will ask me if I know where she is." "And you will not tell?" "I shall not tell where she is. Then he will make me bear her punishment." "No, I will save you." Again she looked at me searchingly, and I thought I saw a glad light leap into her eyes. After that she gave a quick glance round as if to be sure that no one listened. "No, you cannot save me. I am my father's daughter. Even now I am told that the king is planning a terrible vengeance on those who took part in his father's death." "I will save you," I said quietly, and confidently. "Do not fear. Whatever happens do not fear. It may be that I shall not be able to do this in a day, or in a year--although I think I shall, but I will do it!" "Why should you do it?" "Because I love you." I saw her start in her saddle, while her hands clutched her bridle rein nervously. "That was why I was made so happy when I knew you had not married that man. I loved you even while I thought you were his wife. I fought against it because I thought it was a sin. But I could not help it. It never came to me until the other night when I saw them taking you to prison. I loved you before then although I did not know it. But I knew it then. I was glad when they left me alone in prison, because I could think of you. I did not sleep all the night. My heart was aching with love, all the more because I thought it was sinful, but I could not help loving you. Whatever happens now, I shall love you till I die." "No! No!" "Yes. I know you do not care for me; but I have my joy, the joy of loving." "But you must not--it is wrong." "Why is it wrong?" "Because it is foolishness. I have taken another's burden--I may speak of it now. I have taken it willingly--gladly, but the burden means a curse to the one who bears it." "Then I will try and bear some of the curse. Nay, do not deny me this. I must whether I will or not. Nothing you may say or do will alter me. I shall love you until I die. Besides, I am going to save you." She did not say a word to this, but looked straight on. We were passing through rich loamy lands. All around the trees were in the glory of their summer garb, while the birds sang lustily from tree branch, and from hazel twig, but I do not think she either saw or heard.