Elizabeth Curle's letter, in answer to that of her brother, which she had received some days before, provided he saw and read it first. “_Friday, 20th January 1587._—Melville spoke to Paulet about the diet and the ordinary pension, if to have a servant, also our wages, to which he received a courteous answer refusing a servant but hoping he might be able to send the wages. Upon which we founded our hopes that all was not at the last extremity. “_Saturday, 21st January._—Paulet sent to fetch Melville, Bourgoyne and Prean, upon which we wondered much what it could be for, and the latter not wishing to go because he had not suitable dress, remained behind until Melville and Bourgoyne spoke to him; when he refused, saying he could do nothing without Prean. We concluded that he sent for us in private suspecting that they wished to separate him from the Queen. Prean, dressed as he was, borrowed a cloak. All the three having come to Paulet, he addressed Bourgoyne, whom he requested wishing him to tell the Queen that Melville and Prean were to have no more communication with Her Majesty, and he (Paulet) could not tell her himself. Then Paulet said he had something to tell them that he knew would not be agreeable to Her Majesty nor to Melville, who was always known as a faithful servant to his mistress, but there was no help for it; that he must take it in good part, and know there were good reasons for it; that they must leave their mistress for the present, and they must appear no more before her; therefore they must retire to their rooms; that Prean, being lodged so near Her Majesty, they could not hinder him from going to her. It would be better for him to live in one of Melville's chambers; they were not to be made prisoners nor lose anything they had before, excepting in the presence of their mistress. They could walk in the court, dine in the office if they wished, communicate with the servants who came to them, but not to enter into the hall. Upon this Melville protested with regret, saying that all his consolation was to be near his mistress—would he permit him to see her and take leave of her? Paulet answered that he could not, and it was of no use; he said nothing to hinder him from thinking that he might return to her as before, but he must have patience for the present. Prean, protesting his regret, said the same. Bourgoyne, returning to Her Majesty, astonished her and the others very much; they imagined all kinds of things, but could not find a good reason. CHAPTER XI