An unwilling courtier! A love-sick Queen! Carramba! it was interesting.
"When do you return to the Palace, my lord?" Everingham was asking of the Duke.
"To-night," replied the latter, "by our gracious Liege Lady's own command."
"To-night then?"
"Without fail. Harry Plantagenet and I will present our humble respects to Her Majesty."
"'Tis au revoir then, Your Grace," quoth Don Miguel. "We meet again to-night."
"At your service, my lord Marquis."
Still smiling amicably the Spaniard took his leave, soon followed by two of his companions. Lord Everingham too was about to depart, but he felt Wessex' detaining hand on his arm.
"That unpleasant-looking Spaniard? . . ." queried the Duke.
"Don Miguel, Marquis de Suarez," replied Everingham, "envoy of His Majesty, the King of Spain."