"I have been searching for Your Majesty," he said, with some reproach. "I have ridden hot after Your Majesty from London——"
"There must be grave news," said Mary, knowing that otherwise he would not have come himself.
"There is, Madam—the gravest."
Mary raised her head; she was perfectly composed.
"From—the King?" she asked.
"No, Madam."
Mary smiled superbly.
"Then it is not the worst." She was colourless to the lips, but bore herself with majesty. "What is it, my lord?"
Nottingham was always tragical in his discourse, and now his face and tone were gloomy in the extreme.
"Madam, M. de Waldeck and the allies have been defeated at Fleurus, M. de Tourville and the French fleet have been spied under full sail for the coast of Devon. There is no relying on our sailors—there is a panic in the city."