"I have a right to an explanation, for it is quite impossible to give the ladies of the court who live in the palace full liberty to attend upon the Queen or not, as they please.

You will be singularly fortunate if Don Antonio Perez does not mention the matter to the King." Mendoza was silent, but the words had their effect upon him, and a very unpleasant one, for they contained a threat.
"You see," continued the Princess, pausing as they reached a flight of steps which they would have to ascend, "every one acknowledges the importance of your services, and that you have been very poorly rewarded for them.

But that is in a degree your own fault, for you have refused to make friends when you might, and you have little interest with the King." "I know it," said the old soldier, rather bitterly.

"Princess," he continued, without giving her time to say more, "this is a private matter, which concerns only me and my daughter.

I entreat you to overlook the irregularity and not to question me further.