When he was thus at last got rid off the Princess said to the physician:
‘How can we ever thank thee enough, good doctor, for thy timely suggestion!’
‘Oh, your Majesty,’ said the blushing doctor, ‘experience does it; and I had plenty of that this morning. Do you know, I think I shall never be free again from pain—although I have bathed in opodeldoc and arnica, and I am clothed from head to foot in Court plaster.’
The Princess smiled and said:
‘I am afraid the Owl is a little over-vigorous in such matters; however, I will give orders to the Court apothecary to supply you with remedies at my expense until you shall be cured.’ She then said to the three pages who still sat on the table:
‘I must ask you to depart now as Parliament cannot carry on business with strangers in the house. However, ye are, I believe, pages; I will turn over a new leaf and will advance you each a step in rank. Now, however, go.’
Thanking her profusely they went. When they had gone the Princess turned to the Councillors and said:
‘As there seems no further need to keep you, I will detain you no longer.’
Having her permission the Councillors left the hall. Last of all was Lord Licec, and he remained as if hesitating whether to go, or to stay and speak to the Princess. She, noticing his hesitation, said:
‘Ah, Lord Licec, hast thou something to ask me?’