“You are to return at once to the palace,” said Lady Hill, “and present yourself at the Chancellerie. The Chancellor desires to see you upon urgent matters.”
Dorothy seemed both startled and astonished.
“The Chancellor desires to see me!” she exclaimed. “What can it be about? I would prefer not to go.”
“Not go!” answered Lady Hill, who was a great stickler for etiquette, evidently quite shocked. “Why, my dear, this is a royal command I bring you.”
“But what can the Chancellor want to see me about?” persisted Dorothy.
“I don’t know,” replied Lady Hill, “except that it is a matter of state. The Chancellor’s request was addressed to the Queen, in the usual form—you being attached to Her Majesty’s suite—and the Chancellor urgently asks your attendance at once. The Queen, of course, immediately gave this order which I bring you.”
“I would much prefer not to go,” said Dorothy.
“But for what reason?” demanded Lady Hill.
“Oh, it would be much nicer to remain here,” answered Dorothy vaguely. “Don’t you think I might seek audience with the Queen and ask her to withdraw the order?”
“Certainly not!” said Lady Hill severely. “Such a proceeding would be entirely improper and contrary to Court etiquette.”