“What mean you, Madam?” sternly demanded the affronted Chancellor.
“Marry, my Lord, you pressed me to name a man—and I have named a man.”
The merriment of the august assembly was not decreased by the fact that the Chancellor was rather unpopular.
“Are you of ability, Madam, to declare unto us right-wisely that neither of my Lords your brothers did aid you in this matter?”
“I have passed no word, Sir, touching either of my brothers.”
“The which I do now desire of you, Dame.”
“Do you so, my Lord? I fear your Lordship may weary of waiting.”
“I will wait no longer!” cried Beaufort, angrily and impatiently. “I—”
“Say you so, Sir?” responded the Princess in her coolest manner. “Then I bid your Lordship a merry morrow.—I am ready, Master Gaoler.”
“I said not we were ready, Madam!” exclaimed Beaufort.