She was not so sure: she wondered. Then she found that she was frowning and pinching her lip, so broke into a new line.
‘Let us take the south, Monsieur de Lethington. Who prevails in those parts?’
He told her that there were many great men to be considered there: my Lord Herries, my Lord Hume, the Earl of Bothwell. This name interested her, but she was careful not to single it out.
‘And is Mr. Knox the master of these?’
‘Not so, madam. My Lord Herries is of the old religion; and my Lord of Bothwell——’
‘Does he laugh?’
‘I fear, madam, it is a mocking spirit.’
‘Why,’ says she, ‘does he laugh at Mr. Knox?’
Mr. Secretary detected the malice. ‘Alas! your Majesty is pleased to laugh at her servant.’
‘Well, let us leave M. de Boduel to his laughter. Who rules the north?’