"And do you include a discourse on the interrupting of princes ?" "Princes ?" said I.
"The Duke of Monmouth is----" "The King's son, my lord," I interposed, and, carrying my hat in my hand, I walked up to Barbara and the Duke.

She looked at me as I came, but not now mockingly; there was rather an appeal in her eyes.
"Your Grace will not let me lose my audience with the King ?" said I.
He started, looked at me, frowned, looked at Barbara, frowned deeper still.

I remained quiet, in an attitude of great deference.

Puzzled to know whether I had spoken in sheer simplicity and ignorance, or with a meaning which seemed too bold to believe in, he broke into a doubtful laugh.

In an instant Barbara drew away with a curtsey.