She spoke in a clear, mild voice, threaded with dignity.

"Were you summoned thither, Don Enrique de Cerda ?" He answered, "No, Highness! I came to the palace to seek Master Manuel Rodriguez who is to paint for me an altarpiece for the Church of Saint Dominic.

You and the King, Madam, I thought were in Granada.

Not finding him in his own lodging, I made bold to come here.

Then at once, before I could hasten away, you returned!" The true nature of this Queen was to think no evil.