“Maude! That is a pretty name,” pronounced the little Princess.
“The Señora Infanta, your Grace’s mother, will have me essay to learn the maid needlework,” added Juana in explanation.
“Leave me learn her!” said Constance eagerly. “I can learn her all I know; and I am well assured I can be as patient as you, Doña Juana.”
“At your Ladyship’s feet,” responded Juana quietly, using her customary formula. She felt the suggestion highly improper and exceedingly absurd, but she was far too great a courtier to say so.
“Come hither!” said Constance gleefully, beckoning to Maude. “Sue (follow) thou me unto Dame Agnes de La Marche her chamber. I would fain talk with thee.”
Maude glanced at Juana for permission.
“Sue thou the Señorita Doña Constança,” was the reply. “Be thou ware not to gainsay her in any thing.”
There was little need of the warning, for Maude was completely enthralled. She followed her Fairy Queen in silence into the room where Dame Agnes still sat spinning.
“Sit thou down on yonder stool,” said Constance. “My gracious Ladyship will take this giant’s chair. (I have learned my lesson, Dame Agnes.) Now—where is thy mother?”
“A fathom underground.”