“Then,” answered Elizabeth, sourly, “she is too high, for I, myself, am neither too high nor too low.... And of complexion, which is the fairer?”
“Her complexion is the fairer, but your Majesty’s countenance hath truer beauty and sweeter majesty.”
Elizabeth frowned slightly, then said:
“What exercises did she take when you were at the court?”
“Sometimes she hunted, your Majesty, and sometimes she played upon the virginals.”
“Did she play to effect?”
“Reasonably, your noble Majesty.”
“You shall hear me play, and then speak truth upon us, for I have known none with so true a tongue since my father died.”
Thereon she called to a lady who waited near in a little room to bring an instrument; but at that moment Cecil appeared again at the door, and, his face seeming to show anxiety, Elizabeth, with a sign, beckoned him to enter.