"It is yours," they shouted.
"I ask it as your recognition that I have, to the best of my power, served this country," Herrick continued. "If you will, it shall be instead of all the other honors your Duke may presently wish to give me."
"Speak. It is yours. It is granted already."
"Give me then the life of Count Felix," said Herrick.
There was a moment's pause, and then sudden anger.
"The Count must die!" they shouted. "Death to Felix!"
"It was my life he sought," Herrick shouted above the tumult.
"Therefore he dies," they cried.
"And you refuse to grant the favor you were so ready to promise?" said Herrick.
Silence fell again.