"This is our decision," she continued, with unfaltering voice—"that Admiral Russell and my Lord Monmouth go down to the coast, and there join the fleet, and give our commands to Lord Torrington that, for the honour of England, he fight the French, whom he must now outnumber since his juncture with the Dutch. My lords, the council is over."
It was the first time that she had given her commands to her advisers, almost the first time she had announced her opinion on their discussions; but she left them no chance to doubt that she meant what she said; she had the manner of Kings.
"Let these disloyal subjects," she added, pointing to Lord Nottingham's list, "be at once lodged in the Tower."
She rose, gave her hand to Lord Caermarthen, and descended from her high chair with a soft heavy sound of silks.
"England is Your Majesty's debtor," said Lord Devonshire, bowing low.
She answered with her sweet stateliness.
"I do what a woman can, my lord."
"Your Majesty doth what few women would," said Caermarthen warmly; he had for her a real and deep devotion.
She turned as if she would have rebuked his compliment, but checked herself at sight of his worn and ghastly face, livid with fatigue and anxiety.
"I am like your lordship," she answered kindly, "I am fond of my country."