Leicester stopped and said, with a slow malicious smile: "Farming is good, then--you have fine crops this year on your holding ?" The point escaped Lempriere at first, for the favourite's look was all innocence, and he replied: "You are mistook, my lord.

You will remember I was in the presence-chamber an hour ago, my lord.

I am Lempriere, Seigneur of Rozel, butler to her Majesty." "But are you, then?
I thought you were a farmer and raised cabbages." Smiling, Leicester passed on.
For a moment the Seigneur stood pondering the Earl's words and angrily wondering at his obtuseness.

Then suddenly he knew he had been mocked, and he turned and ran after his enemy; but Leicester had vanished into the Queen's apartments.
The Queen's fool was standing near, seemingly engaged in the light occupation of catching imaginary flies, buzzing with his motions.

As Leicester disappeared he looked from under his arm at Lempriere.