She hath wisdom, too, and we must listen to her, even as I have done this day." She inclined her head towards the door.

Leicester opened it, and as she passed out she gave him one look which told him that his game was lost, if not for ever, yet for time uncertain and remote.

"You must not blame the leech, my lord," she said, suddenly turning back.

"The Queen of England has first claim on the duty of her subjects.

They serve me for love; you they help at need as time-servers." She stepped on, then paused again and looked back.