And the constable's at the lodge.

Come, the letter!" "I can't give it you, my lord.

Her Majesty's orders were positive." "Nonsense! If she had known I should come and not the constable, she would have told me to carry it to him." "I don't know about that, my lord: her orders were plain, and she doesn't like being disobeyed." The stableman had led the horse away, the footman had disappeared, Hermann and I were alone.

"Give me the letter," I said; and I know that my self-control failed, and eagerness was plain in my voice.

Plain it was, and Hermann took alarm.