"Well, this grows better and better," the old woman said.
"It is neither out of lack of duty, nor of due awe and natural affection, that I had not the sooner come," the Young Lovell said.
"That passes me!" the Princess cried out. "By Our Lady, I do not understand that speech."
The Young Lovell who towered on high when he stood, and was tall enough though he knelt, appeared like a great hound, attacked by this fierce little woman as by a savage lap-dog.
"Madam and gentle Princess," he said slowly, "I cannot easily say what I would say, for no man would say it easily."
"Then you are on a fool's errand," the Princess said, "for a wise man can say most things." She considered him for a moment and then said jeeringly: "If you had business in the town, stiff grandson of mine, say you had business: if you were gone after wenches, lie about it. But I care very little. I sent for you to have your news; so leave the complimenting and give me that."
"Madam and gentle Princess," he began again, though the old lady grunted and mumbled. "I did not come before because I sought assoilment."
"What is assoilment?" she asked.
He answered briefly:
"Pardon for sin, witting and unwitting."