"You have heard, sir," Grey broke in. "Not now. This is not the time."
"Indeed, no. This is not the time, Mr. Wilding," echoed the Duke.
Wilding set his teeth in the intensity of his vexation.
"What I have to tell Your Majesty is of importance, he exclaimed, and Monmouth seemed to waver, whilst Grey looked disdainful unbelief of the importance of any communication Wilding might have to make.
"We have little time, Your Majesty," Ferguson reminded Monmouth.
"Perhaps," put in friendly Wade, "Your Majesty might see Mr. Wilding at Mr. Newlington's."
"Is it really necessary?" quoth Grey.
This treatment of him inspired Mr. Wilding with malice. The mere mention of Sunderland's letter would have changed their tone. But he elected by no such word to urge the importance of his business. It should be entirely as Monmouth should elect or be constrained by these gentlemen about his council-table.
"It would serve two purposes," said Wade, whilst Monmouth still considered. "Your Majesty will be none too well attended, your officers having this other matter to prepare for. Mr. Wilding would form another to swell your escort of gentlemen."
"I think you are right, Colonel Wade," said Monmouth. "We sup at Mr. Newlington's at nine o'clock, Mr. Wilding. We shall expect you to attend us there. Lieutenant Cragg," said His Grace to the young officer who had admitted Wilding, and who had remained at attention by the door, "you may reconduct Mr. Wilding."
Wilding bowed, his lips tight to keep in the anger that craved expression. Then, without another word spoken, he turned and departed.
"An insolent, overbearing knave!" was Grey's comment upon him after he had left the room.
"Let us attend to this, your lordship," said Speke, tapping the map. "Time presses," and he invited Wade to continue the matter that Wilding's advent had interrupted.