For some moments Strafford lay back in his chair, seemingly in a state of collapse. The girl looked on him in alarm. “Sir, is there anything I can do for you?” she asked at length. “Call a servant. Tell him to order a coach prepared at once, and see that it is well horsed, for I would have the journey as short as possible.” “My lord, you are in no condition of health to travel to London. I will go to the King and tell him so.” “Do that I requested you, and trouble me not with counsel. There is enough of woman’s meddling in this business already.” Frances obeyed her father’s instructions without further comment, then came and sat in her place again. The Earl roused himself, endeavouring to shake off his languor. “What think you of the King?” he asked. “He is a man corroded with selfishness.” “Tut, tut! Such things are not to be spoken in the precincts of a Court. No, nor thought. He is not a selfish monarch, other than all monarchs are selfish, but----discussion on such a theme is fruitless, and I must be nearing my dotage to begin it. I am far from well, Frances, and so, like the infirm, must take to babbling.” “Do you fear Parliament, my lord? How can it harm you when you have the favour of the King?” “I fear nothing, my girl, except foolish unseen interference; interference that may not be struck at or even hinted against. Did they teach you the history of France in your school?” “No, my lord.” “Then study it as you grow older; I’ll warrant you’ll find it interesting enough. Ruined by women. Ruined by women. Seven civil wars in seventeen years, and all because of viperish, brainless women. Well, we have one of the breed here in England, and God help us!” “You mean the Queen, my lord?” “Hush! Curses on it, will you be as outspoken as another of your sex is spiteful and subtle? Mend your manners, hussy, and guard your tongue. Could you not see you spoke too freely to the King a moment since?” “Sir, I am sorry.” “Be not sorry, but cautious.” Strafford fell into a reverie, and there was silence in the room until the servant entered and announced that the coach was ready, whereupon his master rose unsteadily. “Sir,” said the girl, “will you not eat or drink before you depart?” “No.” Then, looking sharply at his daughter, he inquired, “Are you hungry?” “Yes, my lord.” “Bring hither some refreshments, whatever is most ready to hand, and a measure of hot spiced wine. I had forgotten your youth, Frances, thinking all the world was old with me.” When the refection came, she ate but sparingly, despite her proclamation, but coaxed him to partake and to drink a cup of wine. He ordered a woman’s cloak brought for her, which, when she had thrown it over her shoulders, he himself fastened at her throat. “There,” he said, when the cloak enveloped her, “that will protect you somewhat, for the night grows cold.”