of their ancestors to the level of that of private individuals, and
because there was in Scotland a certain musician, as I am informed, who
spent their income for a whole year in one month."

"Those who know how to take so well, my lady," the queen answered, "have
no need of being given to: it seems to me the Douglases have lost nothing
by waiting, and there is not a younger son of this noble family who might
not aspire to the highest alliances; it is truly vexatious that our
sister the queen of England has taken a vow of virginity; as is stated."

"Or rather," interrupted Lady Lochleven, "that the Queen of Scotland is
not a widow by her third husband. But," continued the old lady,
pretending to recollect herself, "I do not say that to reproach your
grace. Catholics look upon marriage as a sacrament, and on this head
receive it as often as they can."

"This, then," returned Mary, "is the difference between them and the
Huguenots; for they, not having the same respect for it, think it is
allowed them to dispense with it in certain circumstances."

At this terrible sarcasm Lady Lochleven took a step towards Mary Stuart,
holding in her hand the knife which she had just been using to cut off a
piece of meat brought her to taste; but the queen rose up with so great a
calm and with such majesty, that either from involuntary respect or shame
of her first impulse, she let fall the weapon she was holding, and not
finding anything sufficiently strong in reply to express her feelings,
she signed to the servants to follow her, and went out of the apartment
with all the dignity that anger permitted her to summon to her aid.

Scarcely had Lady Lochleven left the room than the queen sat down again,