, but look steadily forward, as they needs must who
walk in a perilous road. Hearken to me. King Louis deserves nothing better at
your hand, of all others, than to be proclaimed the wily and insidious
politician which he really is. But to tax him as the encourager of your flight -
still more as the author of a plan to throw you into the hands of De la Marck -
will at this moment produce perhaps the King's death or dethronement; and, at
all events, the most bloody war between France and Burgundy which the two
countries have ever been engaged in.«
    »These evils shall not arrive for my sake, if they can be prevented,« said
the Countess Isabelle; »and indeed your slightest request were enough to make me
forego my revenge, were that at any time a passion which I deeply cherish. Is it
possible I would rather remember King Louis's injuries than your invaluable
services? - Yet how is this to be? - When I am called before my Sovereign, the
Duke of Burgundy, I must either stand silent, or speak the truth. The former
would be contumacy; and to a false tale you will not desire me to train my
tongue.«
    »Surely not,« said Durward; »but let your evidence concerning Louis be
confined to what you yourself positively know to be truth; and when you mention
what others have reported, no matter how credibly, let it be as reports only,
and beware of pledging your own personal evidence to that which, though you may
fully believe, you cannot personally know to be true. The assembled Council of
Burgundy cannot refuse to a monarch the justice which in my country is rendered
to the meanest person under accusation. They must esteem him innocent until
direct and sufficient proof shall demonstrate his guilt. Now, what does not
consist with your own certain knowledge, should be proved by other evidence than
your report from hearsay.«
    »I think I understand you,« said the Countess Isabelle.
    »I will make my meaning plainer,« said Quentin; and was illustrating it
accordingly by more than one instance, when the convent-bell tolled.
    »That,« said the Countess, »is a signal that we must part - part for ever! -
But do not forget me, Durward; I will never forget you - your faithful services«
-
    She could not speak more, but again extended her hand, which was again
pressed to his lips; and I know not how it was that, in endeavouring to withdraw
her hand, the Countess came
