The Earl turned pale and stood glowering at the obsequious Chancellor
as if unable to comprehend the purport of his words. At last he
commanded himself sufficiently to speak.

"Was this resolution sudden, or did the Lady Sybilla know of it
yesternight?"

"Nay, of a surety it was quite sudden," replied the Chancellor. "A
message arrived from the Queen Mother to the Marshal de Retz
requesting an immediate meeting on business of state, whereupon I
offered my Castle of Edinburgh for the purpose as being more
convenient than Stirling. So I doubt not that they are all met there,
the young King being of the party. It is, indeed, a quaint falling
out, for of late, as you may have heard, the Tutor and the Queen have
scarce been of the number of my intimates."

The Earl of Douglas appeared strangely disturbed. He paid no further
attention to his host, but strode to and fro in the courtyard with his
thumbs in his belt, in an attitude of the deepest meditation.

The Chancellor watched him from under his eyebrows with alternate
apprehension and satisfaction, like a timid hunter who sees the lion
half in and half out of the snare.

"I have a letter for you, my Lord Douglas," he said, after a long
pause.

"Ah," cried Douglas, with obvious relief, "why did you not tell me so
at first. Pray give it me."