OUR ISLAND STORY 157 ered to be socially equal with the Family of DeRoberval. Before his departure from DeRoberval was visited by Bishop Duchatel, who pleaded for his consent to the union of his niece "with her heart's one mate/' But he pleaded in vain. In the next scene Margaret, herself, came as a suppliant: 'Servant to DeRoberval—A lady awaits. Roberval—Who ? Servant— Sieur, I know not; In sorrow, as I think, but young and graceful And clad in mourning garb, Roberval—Admit her straight, (Enter Margaret Roberval veiled. Roberval es¬ corts her gallantly to a seat, and stands un¬ covered.) Roberval— Fair lady, for I know you are fair, Whence comes this honor that you wait on me? This cabinet is more the abiding place of logs and muster-rolls than ladies' bower. Margaret— AlasI I come a sad petitioner; Roberval— The happier I who have the power to aid. Margaret — If not in your power, then not in man's power. But in the hand of God. Roberval 1— Lady unknown, Much may lie in my power. Not all, but much. My duty to my King, my self-respect, Are almost all can lay restraint on me. You seem in trouble; friends, perchance, have lost— And that I cannot remedy. Consider, If it be in the compass of my mission, Your prayer already granted.