"Your high Majesty," said he, "if I may ask Mademoiselle Aubert one question in your presence--" "Your answer now; the lady in due season," interposed the Queen.
"She was betrothed to a soldier, she may resent a priest," said De la Foret, with a touch of humour, for he saw the better way was to take the matter with some outward ease.
Elizabeth smiled.

"It is the custom of her sex to have a fondness for both," she answered, with an acid smile.

"But your answer ?" De la Foret's face became exceeding grave.

Bowing his head, he said: "My sword has spoken freely for the Cause; God forbid that my tongue should not speak also.

I will do your Majesty's behest." The jesting word that was upon the royal lips came not forth, for De la Foret's face was that of a man who had determined a great thing, and Elizabeth was one who had a heart for high deeds.