"And wherefore, thinkest thou, Sir William?"
"He was her first love, and only one; and, changed though he be, her heart yet yearneth towards him; for though a queen, we find her a very woman yet."
"Then farewell, my lords," said the Earl, assuming his cloak and mantle; "I must wend townward betimes;" and he hurried to the court-yard, summoning Ormiston and Hepburn, who had been stretched on benches by the hall fire, the one asleep, and the other nursing his wrath. They all mounted and galloped back to the city.
"Well, my lord, how went the conference?" asked Hob.
"She hath declined—proudly and wrathfully declined!"
"Cock and pie!"
"Yea, Ormiston, with anger and with tears."
"All woman's caprice. Tears! Tush! they should give thee hope. The world"—
"Malediction on the world; it smiles on all but me."
"For thy comfort, I will tell thee a project which hath just been put into my head.'