"Ah! and have become very proficient, I understand. Will you honour me by playing a game with me?"
"Now?"
"Why not?"
"The lateness of the hour . . . I start for Scotland almost directly."
"Yet in spite of these difficulties you sought a casual interview with an avowed political enemy."
"No one need know . . ." stammered the young man, slightly abashed.
"Every one inside this Palace knows by now that my lord of Everingham, the intimate friend at His Grace of Wessex, is closeted alone with the envoy of His Majesty the King of Spain," rejoined His Eminence with slow emphasis. "Believe me, my lord, a game of chess is the wisest course."
"Will you tell me first . . ."
"I can tell your lordship nothing, except across the chess board."
"Well! . . . since you wish it . . ."