The duke signified that they were to be admitted; and when the bishop entered the room, Charles, who was smarting from his late defeat, spoke angrily:-- "By the good God, my Lord Bishop, you are slow! Does it require an hour to write a missive of ten lines?
If you are as slow in saving souls as in writing letters, the world will go to hell before you can say a mass." "The wording was difficult, Your Grace," replied the bishop obsequiously.

"The Lord d'Hymbercourt said Your Grace wished the missive to be written in English, which language my scrivener knows but imperfectly.

After it was written I received Your Lordship's instructions to use the word 'now,' so I caused the letter to be rewritten that I might comply with your wishes." "Now" is a small word, but in this instance it was a great one for Yolanda, as you shall soon learn.
"Cease explaining, my Lord Bishop, and read me the missive," said the duke, sullenly.
The bishop unfolded the missive, which was in a pouch ready for sealing.
Yolanda stopped sobbing that she might hear the document that touched so closely on her fate.

Her tear-stained face, with its childlike pathos, but served to increase her father's anger.
"Read, my Lord Bishop! Body of me, why stand you there like a wooden quintain ?" exclaimed the duke.

"By all the gods, you are slow! Read, I say!" "With pleasure, my lord," answered the bishop.
"To His Majesty, King Louis of France, Charles, Duke of Burgundy and Count of Charolois, sends this Greeting:-- "His Grace of Burgundy would recommend himself to His Majesty of France, and would beg to inform the most puissant King Louis that the said Charles, Duke of Burgundy, will march at the head of a Burgundian army within three weeks from the date of these presents, against the Swiss cantons, with intent to punish the said Swiss for certain depredations.
Therefore, the said Charles, Duke of Burgundy and Count of Charolois, begs that His Majesty of France will now move toward the immediate consummation of the treaty existing between Burgundy and France, looking to the marriage of the Princess Mary, Mademoiselle de Burgundy, with the princely Dauphin, son to King Louis; and to these presents said Charles, Duke of Burgundy, requests the honor of an early reply.
"We recommend Your Majesty to the protection of God, the Blessed Virgin, and the Saints." "Words, words, my Lord Bishop," said Charles.