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I ran at speed up the stairs hoping to waylay the perpetrator, and who should
come trotting from the corridor, smiling and gay, but the Princess Madouc!
Madouc? Madouc? cried out Queen Sollace and Lady Desdea together, as if in
one voice.
Who else? She confronted me without a qualm and even asked me to move aside
so that she might continue on her way.
Nevertheless, I detained her and asked: Why did you hurl a quince at me? She
said, quite soberly: With nothing more suitable at hand, I used quince; this
was on the strong advice of His
Majesty the King. I cried out: Am I to understand that His Majesty advised
you to such a deed?
Why should he do so? And she responded: Perhaps he feels that you and Lady
Desdea are inexcusably tiresome and tedious in your instruction.
Astonishing! said Lady Desdea. I am dumbfounded!
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Lady Marmone went on: I told her: Out of respect for your rank, I may not
properly chastise you as you deserve, but I will immediately report this
outrage to Her Majesty the Queen! The princess responded with an airy shrug
and continued on her way. Is it not remarkable?
Remarkable but not unique! said Lady Desdea. I suffered in the same degree,
but it was King
Casmir himself who hurled the fruit.
Lady Marmone stood silent for a moment, then said: In that case, I am
confused indeed!
Queen Sollace heaved herself erect. I must get to the bottom of this! Come!
Before the hour is out we shall know what is what and which is which.
The queen and her two ladies, with Father Umphred coming unobtrusively behind,
found King Casmir in conference with the High Seneschal Sir Mungo and the
royal secretary Pacuin.
Casmir looked around with a frown, then rose heavily to his feet. My dear
Sollace, what is so urgent as to bring you here during my consultations?
I must have a word with you in private, said Sollace. Be good enough to
dismiss your counsellors, if only for a few moments.
Casmir, noting Lady Desdea and her set countenance, divined the purpose of the
visit. At his signal, Sir Mungo and Pacuin left the room. Casmir jerked his
finger at Father Umphred. You may also go.
Father Umphred, smiling his kindly smile, departed the chamber.
Now then, said King Casmir, what is the matter?
In a tumble of words Queen Sollace explained the situation. King Casmir
listened with stolid patience.
Sollace terminated her remarks. You now will understand my concern.
Essentially, we are puzzled as to why you threw fruit at Lady Desdea and then
encouraged Madouc to work the same mischief upon Lady Marmone.
Casmir spoke to Lady Desdea. Bring Madouc here at once. Lady Desdea left the
chamber and a few moments later returned with Madouc, who entered the room
somewhat reluctantly.
King Casmir spoke in even tones. I ordered you to throw no more fruit.
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Indeed you did, Sire, in the direction of Lady Desdea, and you also advised
against the use of substances more offensive, in connection with Lady Desdea.
I followed your advice exactly.
But you threw a quince at Lady Marmone. Was that my advice?
I took it to be so, since you failed to include her in your instructions.
Ah hah! Did you want me to name each individual of the castle and in each
case name the stuffs with which he or she was not to be pelted?
Madouc shrugged. As you see, Sire, when there is doubt, mistakes occur.
And you felt this doubt?
Exactly, Sire! It seemed only fair that each of the ladies should be treated
alike, and enjoy the same advantages.
King Casmir smiled and nodded. These advantages are subtle. Can you bring
them into sharper focus?
Madouc frowned down at her fingers. The explanation might be lengthy, even
tedious, so that I
would be committing the same fault I deplore in the Ladies Desdea and
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