She will not tell me her business.

She says it is with your grace alone; that it concerns your grace most of all; that it is a matter of more importance than life or death; and that--indeed I beg your pardon, your grace--but I do not like to deliver the rest of her message, it seems so impertinent," said the girl, blushing and casting down her eyes.
"Nevertheless, deliver it.

I will excuse you.

The impertinence will not be yours," said the bride, as a cold chill struck her heart.
"Then, your grace, she seized me by the two shoulders and looked me straight in the face, and said--'Tell your mistress, if she would save herself from utter ruin, she will see me and hear what I have to tell her, before she sees the Duke of Hereward again!'" answered the girl, in a low tone.
"'_Before I see the Duke of Hereward again_.' Ah, what is it?
What is it ?" murmured the bewildered bride to herself.

Then she spoke to Margaret.