‘But how and where?’
‘Assassination, Madame, in Toledo. You are three hours late in your journey. But all Toledo will be astir awaiting you, though it be till dawn.’
The Queen Regent closed her fan slowly. She was, as the rapid events of her reign and regency have proved, one of those women who rise to the occasion.
‘Then one must act at once,’ she said.
The General bowed.
‘What have you done?’ she asked.
‘I have sent to Madrid for a regiment that I know; they are as my own children. I have killed so many of them that the remainder love me. I have travelled from Toledo to meet your Majesty on the road, or here.’
‘And what means have you of preventing this thing?’
‘I have brought the means with me, Madame.’
‘Troops?’ asked the Queen doubtfully, knowing where the canker-worm lay hidden.