human
May it please your gracious majesty, I am humble tirewoman to that noble lady, Margaret Stuart, your honoured mother.
gpt
My mother! he exclaimed.
human
Then what in the name of Heaven are you doing here and alone, so far from Methven?
gpt
We came from Methven yesterday to her ladyship's castle of Doune.
human
Then her ladyship must have come to a very sudden resolution to travel, for the constable of Doune is in my hunting-party, and I'll swear he expected no visitors.
gpt
My gracious lady did not wish Stuart the constable to expect her, nor does she now desire his knowledge of her presence in the castle. She commanded me to ask your majesty to request the constable to remain in Stirling, where, she understands, he spends most of his time. She begs your majesty to come to her with all speed and secrecy.
human
I wonder what is wrong now? mused the king.
gpt
I have not heard from her for nearly a year. She has quarrelled with her third husband, I suppose, for the Tudors are all daft where matrimony is concerned.
human
What does your majesty say?
gpt
I was speaking to myself rather than to you, but I may add that I am ready to go anywhere if you are to be my guide. Lend me your hand and spring up here behind me. We will gallop to Doune at once.
human
No, no, she said.
gpt
The Lady Margaret is most anxious that your visit should be unknown to any but herself, so she begs you to dismiss your followers and lay your commands upon Constable Stuart of Doune.
human
But my followers are all of them old enough to look after themselves, objected the king,
gpt
The Lady Margaret thought, persisted the girl,
human
How did my lady mother know I was hunting when you could not have learned of my excursion until you reached Stirling?