"You think this is not a fitting place for her?"
"I am sure it is not, Sir," I said very earnestly, "nor for any country-maid. Would Your Majesty think—"
He jerked his head impatiently.
"What my Majesty thinks is one thing; what I, Charles Stuart, do, is another. Well: you must have it. There is no more to be said."
I think he expected me to stand up and take my leave. But I remained still in my chair.
"Well; what else, sir?" he asked.
"Sir; it is near a quarter to eleven. I have not the order, yet."
"Bah! well—am I to write it then?"
"If Your Majesty will condescend."
"And what shall I say to the Queen? It is not very courteous to dismiss a lady of hers so abruptly."