"I am not going to Kernsberg. I bide here!" Joan repeated calmly. "Have you anything to say to that, Chief Captain von Orseln?"
"But, my lady——"
"There are no buts in the matter. Go to your quarters and see that the arms and armour are all in good case!"
"Madam, the arms and armour are always in good case," said Werner, with dignity; "but go to Kernsberg you must. The enemy is near to the city, and your Highness might fall into their hands."
"You have heard what I have said!" Joan tapped the oaken floor with her foot.
"But, madam, let me beseech you——"
Joan turned from her chief captain impatiently and walked towards the door of her private apartments. Werner followed his mistress, with his hands a little outstretched and a look of eager entreaty on his face.
"My lady," he said, "thirty years I was the faithful servant of your father—ten I have served you. By the memory of those years, if ever I have served you faithfully—"
"My father taught you but little, if after thirty years you have not learned to obey. Go to your post!"
Werner von Orseln drew himself up and saluted. Then he wheeled about and clanked out without adding a word more.