merged
out of deep lace-fringed sleeves, and were covered with rings. But it
was the air of almost superhuman delicacy that breathed from her most
forcibly; and, when she spoke, a ring of assured decision revealed her
quiet consciousness of royalty. It was an extraordinary mingling of
fragility and power, of which this feminine and royal room was the
proper frame.

Sir Amyas knelt perfunctorily, as if impatient of it; and rose up again
at once without waiting for the signal. Mary lifted her fingers a little
as a sign to the other two.

"I have brought the French doctor, madam," said the soldier abruptly.
"But he must see your Grace in my presence."

"Then you might as well have spared him, and yourself, the pains, sir,"
came the quiet, dignified voice. "I do not choose to be examined in your
presence."

Robin lifted his eyes to her face; but although he thought he caught an
under air of intense desire towards him and That which he bore, there
was no faltering in the tone of her voice. It was, as some man said, as
"soft as running water heard by night."

"This is absurd, madam. I am responsible for your Grace's security and
good health. But there are lengths--"

"You have spoken the very word," said the Queen. "There are lengths to
which none of us should go, even to preserve our health."

"I tell you, madam--"

"There is no more to be said, sir," said the Queen, closing her eyes
again.

"But what do I know of this fellow? How can I tell he is what he
professes to be?" barked Sir Amyas.

"Then you should never have admitted him at all," said the Queen,
opening her eyes again. "And I will do the best that I can--"

"But, madam, your health is my care; and Mr. Bourgoign here tells me--"

"The subject does not interest me," murmured the Queen, apparently half
asleep.

"But I will retire to the corner and turn my back, if that is
necessary," growled the soldier.

There was no answer. She lay with closed eyes, and her woman began again
to fan her gently.

* * * * *

Robin began to understand the situation a little better. It was plain
that Sir Amyas was a great deal more anxious for the Queen's health than
he pretended to be, or he would never have tolerated such objections.
The Queen, too, must know of this, or she would not have ventured, with
so much at stake, to treat him with such maddening rebuffs. There had
been rumours (verified later) that Elizabeth had actually ca