human
What may this mean? she said:
gpt
Your protection, madam,
human
Each daughter of England has it while she is worthy of it, replied the Queen;
gpt
Alas! I know not.
human
This is folly, maiden, said Elizabeth impatiently; for there was something in the extreme confusion of the suppliant which irritated her curiosity as well as interested her feelings.
gpt
The sick man must tell his malady to the physician; nor are WE accustomed to ask questions so oft, without receiving an answer.
human
I request--I implore-- stammered forth the unfortunate countess--
gpt
I beseech your gracious protection--against--against one Varney.
human
What, Varney--Sir Richard Varney--the servant of Lord Leicester! What, damsel, are you to him, or he to you?
gpt
I--I--was his prisoner--and he practised on my life--and I broke forth to--to--
human
To throw thyself on my protection, doubtless, said Elizabeth.
gpt
Thou shalt have it--that is, if thou art worthy; for we will sift this matter to the uttermost.--Thou art, she said, bending on the countess an eye which seemed designed to pierce her very inmost soul,--
human
Forgive me--forgive me--most gracious princess!
gpt
For what should I forgive thee, silly wench? said Elizabeth;
human
No, madam, no: as there is a God above us, I am not the sordid wretch you would make me! I am not the wife of that contemptible slave--of that most deliberate villain! I am not the wife of Varney! I would rather be the bride of Destruction!
gpt
Why, God ha' mercy, woman! I see thou canst talk fast enough when the theme likes thee. Nay, tell me, woman, she continued, for to the impulse of curiosity was now added that of an undefined jealousy that some deception had been practised on her--
human
The Earl of Leicester knows it all.
gpt
The Earl of Leicester! said Elizabeth in utter astonishment.--
human
The Earl of Leicester! she repeated with kindling anger.--
gpt
Woman, thou art set on to this--thou dost belie him--he takes no keep of such things as thou art. Thou art suborned to slander the noblest lord, and the truest-hearted gentleman, in England! But were he the right hand of our trust, or something yet dearer to us, thou shalt have thy hearing, and that in his presence. Come with me--come with me instantly!