But I think it is as well that you should satisfy yourself. Before
placing yourself entirely in my care, as you are about to do, you
would be well advised to assure yourself, that I am indeed Her
Majesty's emissary. Will you be good enough to glance at this?"

He drew forth as he spoke the letter in the queen's own hand, turned
it upside down, and so presented it to her. The Seneschal looked
on stolidly, a few paces distant.

"But certainly, mademoiselle, assure yourself that this gentleman
is no other than I have told you."

Thus enjoined, she took the letter; for a second her eyes met
Garnache's glittering gaze, and she shivered. Then she bent her
glance to the writing, and studied it a moment, what time the man
from Paris watched her closely.

Presently she handed it back to him.

"Thank you, monsieur," was all she said.

"You are satisfied that it is in order, mademoiselle?" he inquired,
and a note of mockery too subtle for her or the Seneschal ran
through his question.

"I am quite satisfied."

Garnache turned to Tressan. His eyes were smiling, but unpleasantly,
and in his voice when he spoke there was something akin to the
distant rumble that heralds an approaching storm.