"
The colour mounted to the Spaniard's sallow cheeks. Iron self-
control alone saved him from uttering unpardonable words. Even so
he spoke sternly:
"This, madame, is not what you had led me to believe when last we
talked upon the subject."
At another time Elizabeth might have turned upon him and rent him
for that speech. But it happened that she was in high good-humour
that afternoon, and disposed to indulgence. She laughed,
surveying herself in the small steel mirror that dangled from her
waist.
"You are ungallant to remind me, my lord," said she. "My sex, you
may have heard, is privileged to change of mind."
"Then, madame, I pray that you may change it yet again." His tone
was bitter.
"Your prayer will not be heard. This time I am resolved."
De Quadra bowed. "The King, my master, will not be pleased, I
fear."
She looked him straightly in the face, her dark eyes kindling.
"God's death!" said she, "I marry to please myself, and not the
King your master."
"You are resolved on marriage then?" flashed he.
"And it please you," she mocked him archly, her mood of
joyousness already conquering her momentary indignation.
"What pleases you must please me also, madame," he answered, in a
tone so cold that it belied his words.
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