If Marie were indeed present,
which he insists she was, her testimony is the most important of any.
If she confirm Don Luis's statement, give the same account of the
interview between her husband and Stanley, and a reason for this
suddenly proclaimed enmity; if she swear that he did utter such
threatening words, I will neither hope nor try to save him; he is
guilty, and must die. But if she deny that he thus spoke; if she
declares on oath that she knew of no cause for, nor of the existence
of any enmity, I care not for other proofs, glaring though they be.
Accident or some atrocious design against him, as an envied foreigner,
may have thrown them together. Let Marie swear that this Garcia has
spoken falsely, and Stanley shall live, were my whole kingdom to
implore his death. In Donna Marie's evidence there can be no deceit;
she can have no wish that Stanley should be saved; as her husband's
supposed murderer, he must be an object of horror and loathing. Still
silent Isabel? Is not her evidence required?"
"It is indeed. And yet I feel that, to demand it, will but increase
the trial already hers."
"As how?" inquired the King, somewhat astonished. "Surely thou canst
not mean--"
"I mean nothing; I know nothing," interrupted Isabella hastily. "I can
give your Grace no reason, save my own feelings.
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