Part 297 (1/2)

PRINCESS (hiding her face in the cus.h.i.+on).

Oh, G.o.d! What have I said?

CARLOS (kneeling before her).

I am not guilty.

My pa.s.sion--an unfortunate mistake-- By heaven, I am not guilty----

PRINCESS (pus.h.i.+ng him from her).

Out of my sight, For heaven's sake!

CARLOS.

No, I will not leave thee thus.

In this dread anguish leave thee----

PRINCESS (pus.h.i.+ng him forcibly away).

Oh, in pity-- For mercy's sake, away--out of my sight!

Wouldst thou destroy me? How I hate thy presence!

[CARLOS going.

Give, give me back the letter and the key.

Where is the other letter?

CARLOS.

The other letter?

PRINCESS.

That from the king, to me----

CARLOS (terrified).

From whom?

PRINCESS.

The one I just now gave you.

CARLOS.

From the king!

To you!

PRINCESS.

Oh, heavens, how dreadfully have I Involved myself! The letter, sir! I must Have it again.

CARLOS.

The letter from the king!

To you!

PRINCESS.

The letter! give it, I implore you By all that's sacred! give it.

CARLOS.

What, the letter That will unmask the saint! Is this the letter?