He answered her simply.
“Hate me, Madame, if it eases your heart. For, somehow, you have put all anger out of me.”
She looked at him intently.
“Why has God given you what my son has not? Had not his father courage? Am I a coward? Oh, it is bitter!”
She strove with herself, and her face grew beautiful as her calm pride won the day.
“Sir Robert Knollys, and you, my Lord of Salisbury, I swear that no dishonour shall live when I can drive it forth. I will go through with this to the end. Who knows but that out of deep shame honour may rise re-born and valiant?”
She rose from her chair.
“Come with me to the King’s chamber to-night. Let Fulk Ferrers be ready without the door. I will see this great wrong righted.”
They stood with bowed heads as she left them there in the garden.