"Gentlemen!" our Lady's white face was set in stern defiance. "As he was loyal to me, so am I Brand's loyal friend. I have sent the royal yacht to succour him, and he will come back with his ships to meet my enemies."
Lord Mendip bowed. "We are ready," he said, "to serve your Majesty, but——" a rifle shot rang out beyond the palace walls, then another and another.
"But what?" asked Margaret, scornfully.
"Madam, this Brand is an attainted traitor."
"Attainted by whom, pray?"
Again there were rifle shots in the distance, a dropping fire.
"Attainted, madam, by the Commonwealth."
"Am I not sovereign?"
"Madam, I spoke with unbecoming fervour of the gentleman who—his party, madam, the Labour Party——"
"His party? Listen, my lord, to that firing! Is this a time for parties? Lord Mendip, in the peril of the State there is but one party—mine! You serve me as Brand serves me, or you are rebels."