The Earl was stung by the familiarity. ‘Be silent, fellow. Madam, suffer me one more word.’
‘You drown in your words. Therefore, yes.’
He gathered his wits together for this poor opportunity. ‘I have been misjudged,’ he said, ‘and know very well to whom I stand debtor for that. Nevertheless, I would still serve your Grace in chamber and in hall, so far as my conscience will suffer me. I say, that is my desire. But if you drive me from you; if I am turned from my father’s birthright——I beseech you to consider with what painful knowledge I depart. If I have witnessed unprincely dealing in high places——’
She openly scorned him. ‘Drown, sir, drown! No, stay. I will throw you a plank.’
She rang the bell. Des-Essars answered. ‘If my lord the Chancellor is in hall, or in the precincts in any part, I desire his presence here. If he is abroad, send Mr. Erskine—and with speed.’
The boy withdrew. She sat, staring at nothing. The two men stood. Absolute silence.
The Chancellor happened to be by. He was found in the tennis-court, calling the game. Much he pondered the summons, and scratched in his red beard.
‘Who is with the Queen, laddie?’
He was told, the Italian and my Lord of Moray. Making nothing of it, he whistled for his servant, who lounged with others at the door.
‘Hurry, Jock Scott! my cloak, sword, and bonnet. At what hour is the Council?’