Still gazing intently she drew the back of her gloved fingers along the pommel.

The man saw the motion, unnoted and unsignificant to any other save Angele, meaningless even to Melvill, the innocent and honest gentleman at his side; and he realised that the Queen had had a warning.

Noting the slight stir among the gentlemen round him, he knew that his game was foiled, that there was no escape.

He was not prepared for what followed.
In a voice to be heard only at small distance, the Queen said calmly: "This palfry sent me by my dear sister of Scotland shall bear me among you, friends; and in days to come I will remember how she hath given new life to me by her loving message.

Sir Andrew Melvill, I shall have further speech with you; and you, sir,"-- speaking to the sinister figure by his side--"come hither." The man dismounted, and with unsteady step came forward.