"Go join my lord in Amsterdam," she answered half recklessly. "An exile remains an exile."
"The Prince," said Mary gravely, "hath some debt to my lord. He never forgetteth his friends—or those who serve him."
"I thank you for that much comfort, Madam."
"You must return to England—to Althorp," continued the Princess gently; "you have done nothing that you should stay abroad——"
Lady Sunderland shook her head.
"What is Althorp to me, God help me! I think my home is in Amsterdam—I shall go there when Your Highness leaveth for England."
Mary put her cool hand over the slim fingers of the Countess that rested on the back of the high walnut chair.
"Are you going with Basilea de Marsac?"
"Yes; she is a good soul."
"A Catholic," said Mary, with a little frown; "but I like her too—better than I did——"