"Ah; but this is a rare jest!" said the king laughing. "Truly the most of mankind is made up not only of knaves, but of fools. But how did you escape them?"
"Oh, it was night and I knew ways which they did not."
Again the king laughed, and then continued, "And now, Mistress Constance, there is but one other thing I would ask, and if thou answerest truly, although thou art the daughter of a man whom I find it hard to forgive, thou shalt be free as air. Dost thou know where this sister of thine is now?"
I knew this was the question which Constance dreaded, but she answered bravely.
"I do Your Majesty."
"Then tell me."
She was silent.
"Come, speak plainly."
"Nay, Your Majesty, I cannot tell you that."
"But I command."