"Oh no! I am well--perfectly well," exclaimed the Duke, bursting into a wild laugh. "Ha! ha! What think you of the title of Queen, fair lady? Would it not be a proud thing to be a king, to trample on the neck of that insolent plebeian Carvalho, who now lords it so boldly?" "He is a bad man, my lord," answered the Duchess, meekly; "and Heaven will punish him." "Bad! he is the incarnation of the evil one," cried the Duke, stamping his foot. "But you answer not my question. Would you not be a queen, and see your Marquezinho a prince? Ha! then you might be proud indeed!" "I seek not for more than I possess," answered the lady. "Oh! my lord, indulge not in such dangerous thoughts: they can but bring destruction on your head. That you do think of them I know too well; for I have of late heard you muttering them in your sleep." "Then go to bed, and dream of them yourself, fair lady: you will find them pleasant and enticing," said the Duke, again laughing. "It is early, my lord, and the sun has but just set," answered the Duchess. "Oh, I forgot--I forgot!" exclaimed her husband. "No matter, you must keep country hours. It is good for the health: so to bed--to bed, and dream of a royal crown." "'Tis a dream, my lord, which has cost many a one his head," said the Duchess, sadly. The Duke started, and his pallor again returned. "What folly is this?" he exclaimed, angrily. "I spoke but in jest.--Now, obey me, and to bed!" The duchess turned a look of grief towards her haughty lord; but, accustomed to obey his imperious commands, she retired to her room. "That woman is not to be trusted," muttered the Duke, when left alone. "She has neither ambition nor courage. It was folly to speak to her on the subject."