"The treaties shall be fully executed by you on the part of your master,
in accordance with the terms of your instrument of authority now resting
with my Lord Chancellor. When said treaties and said bill come to me, the
treaties will be signed, and the copy intended for your master will be
returned to you this evening so that you may carry out your instructions
by leaving at dawn tomorrow morning. To the which I give my reluctant
consent and request that you leave England without further ceremony,
believing that your duty to your master mounts superior to the mere
observation of courtly usage in formal leave-taking.
"Signed by the king's own hand,
"CHARLES R."
"You will see your cousin immediately after your consultation with Du
Boise, and arrange to deliver the documents to her hands privately at the
hour of eight o'clock."
"I beg your Majesty's indulgence for one question," I said, assuming as
well as I could a reluctant manner.
"Yes, yes, but be quick," returned the king.
"It is this," I continued stammeringly. "Is my cousin to deliver the
documents to you after the hour of eight o'clock?"
"That is no affair of yours, and your question is impertinent," answered
the king. "Obey my commands and keep your lips sealed, if you would
oblige your king, save trouble to yourself, and perhaps be rewarded. Hear
me, Clyde! I will brook no interference in this matter. Do you fully
understand?"
"Yes, your Majesty.
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