"I am sorry to have offended you, Madame, and fear me that I must do so again ere I go."
"'Twere not wise to do that, Ronnay," she retorted haughtily; "even a mother's indulgence hath its limits."
"I trust that I shall not be overstepping them, Madame, when I request you in all earnestness to refrain in future from any intercourse with my workpeople."
"Are you afraid that I might succeed in imbuing them with a spirit of loyalty to their King?"
"Whatever my motive, Madame, I earnestly pray you to follow my behests."
"You mean, your commands?"
"We'll call them that an you wish," he replied slowly.
"You forbid me to speak to your workpeople?"
"Absolutely."