Chapter 53

In her wild intention to escape, she had only one ally, Adrian, her page, feeble and powerless at best, but devoted to her with an utter devotion that might be worth much. Valentine had confided in him, since she must have help, if only the help of speech; and now, of a sudden, his use appeared. She had withdrawn from the observation of her women and the court, in pretense of praying for her brother's safety, and no one was with her. "Adrian!" she called softly, "Adrian!" She had privately bidden him follow her, an…