Even as he spoke we could hear the song of the nightingale, for the windows were open, and the night was still. Moreover, so great was the silence in the room, save for the voice of the king, that one could have heard a pin drop.
But Mistress Constance did not speak in answer to this, and in truth there seemed nought for her to say.
I thought I saw Charles Stuart's face harden at her silence, and I fancied that he might be thinking of her father, as indeed I believe he was by the question which he next asked.
"Your name is Mistress Constance Leslie, daughter of one John Leslie, who is by right of descent a baronet, although he useth not his title?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"I hear that you have a sister?"
"Yes, sire."
"And she is wedded, I hear, to one Sir Charles Denman?"
She bowed as if in assent to this.
"Is she your elder sister, or is she younger than you?"