She then pointed to the door. Alicia and Barbara, endeavouring to look grave, walked out with becoming dignity.
Her Grace went up to Ursula, who was still clinging to the window embrasure with passionate obstinacy.
"Lady Ursula Glynde," she said sternly, "if you do not obey Her Majesty's commands instantly, you'll be dismissed from the Court this very day."
And while His Grace of Wessex was slowly wending his way towards the chamber where he had been so eagerly expected, Lady Ursula, defiant and rebellious, was being peremptorily marshalled off in an opposite direction.
CHAPTER XII
INTRIGUES
When Wessex, accompanied by his friend, reached the room which so lately was echoing with merry girlish laughter, he was met by a page, deputed by the Duchess of Lincoln to present her excuses to His Grace for her non-appearance.
"Nay! marry, this is the bravest comedy ever witnessed," laughed the Duke, when the boy had gone.
"What, my lord?" asked Everingham with seeming unconcern.
"A comedy, friend, in which the Queen, Her Grace of Lincoln, you, and His Eminence the Cardinal, all play leading rôles."