"We cannot obey His Majesty in both things," continued William. "We cannot enforce the edicts and raise the revenues."
Margaret knew this to be so true that she controlled her choler, though her eyes were bright with anger.
"The placards will not be enforced," she replied. "His Majesty waits the decision of the Council of Trent—if that allow a certain latitude to heretics, His Majesty will obey."
"If not?" asked William.
The Duchess flung out her hands with a gesture of annoyance and desperation.
"How do I know what the King will do? I am here to execute his orders. I can but ask that the Inquisitors deal gently until some decision is known."
The three grandees took this as a concession, almost a confession of defeat on the part of Margaret, as it indeed was; nothing but a deep sense of the difficulties and perils of her position could have wrung such words from her.
"And Your Grace will advise moderation to the Cardinal?" asked William, taking up his hat.
"Do that errand yourself, noble Prince, since you are responsible," replied the Regent keenly.
William unexpectedly laughed, and turned his charming face with a gay look of amusement towards the angry lady.