'Madame, alas!' she said, with a hint of shrugging; 'if I have worn the Count's cap I know the measure of my head.'
The Queen-Mother took her by the wrist 'My girl,' said she, 'you know very well that you are no Countess at all in my son's right, but are what one of your nurture should not be. And you shall understand that I am a plain-dealer in such affairs when they concern this realm, and have bled little heifers like you whiter than veal and as cold as most of the dead; and will do it again if need be.'
Jehane did not flinch nor turn her eyes from considering her whitening wrist.
'Oh, Madame,' she says, 'you will never bleed me; I am quite sure of that. Alas, it would be well if you could, without offence.'
'Why, whom should I offend then?' the Queen said, sniffing—'your ladyship?'
'A greater,' said Jehane.
'You think the King would be offended?'
'Madame,' Jehane said, 'he could be offended; but so would you be.'
The Queen-Mother tightened hold. 'I am not easily offended, mistress,' she said, and smiled rather bleakly.
Jehane also smiled, but with patience, not trying to get free her wrist.