"Thou hadst better set out directly, if thou wouldst gain audience
with the King ere he leaves Whitehall."
"I am in no hurry, to-morrow will do as well. I like not advice
unsought. I'll have none of it. I will go where, when and how as I
please!"
"And coercion smacks of a power residing not in these parts. I am
delegated, Mistress Penwick, to bring thee straightway to the Royal
presence."
"And why, may I ask, am I so called to his Majesty?"
"Thou art a hostage!" and Buckingham took a pinch of snuff with as
much ease and grace as if standing in a crowded drawing-room.
CHAPTER XV
THE EDICT OF BUCKINGHAM
"I--I, a hostage! and who gave me as such, pray?"
"There is not time for further inquisition; we have a long journey
before us. Come, Mistress!"
"Nay, nay, I protest; I'll not go with thee--"
"Mistress Penwick, I beg thee in my own behalf,"--and the Duke bowed
before her so courteously, he half won her good will, then--"and I
command thee in the name of the King," and with these words he put
forth his hand as it were to take that of Katherine.
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