"Come, sir, I have no time. Forget that you were here soon enough to stop me. You shall not lose by it."
"It won't do, my lord. Nay, nay, don't force me to it." The corporal crossed muskets with his fellow as Masham was thrusting by. "Order is to spare none."
"Damme, sir, what do your mean?"
"Sure, my lord, you know better than that." The corporal grinned. "Ask the captain, if you please."
Masham recoiled and drew the others back into the palace. They heard the corporal shout: "Put the nags up, my bully. My lord won't ride to-day."
"They know you are here, sir," Masham said, with a very white face. "Damn the Somerset! She lost no time. What is to do now?"
"It seems my own plan was the best, gentlemen. If I had gone into the
Council we should at the worst have been in no worse case."
"Oh Lud, sir, must we wrangle that out again?"
"You are impudent, my lord. I will do without your company."
"Good God, sir, it's no time for forms. What would you be at?"