"A witty Simon! But why in Dover again?"
"For want of a friend, mistress. Am I come to one?"
"With all my heart, Simon. What would you?"
"Means to go to London."
"Now Heaven is kind! I go there myself in a few hours. You stare. In truth, it's worth a stare. But the King commands. How did you get rid of Louis?"
I told her briefly. She seemed barely to listen, but looked at me with evident curiosity, and, I think, with some pleasure.
"A brave thing!" she cried. "Come, I'll carry you to London. Nobody shall touch you while you're hid under the hem of my petticoat. It will be like old times, Simon."
"I have no money," said I.
"But I have plenty. For the less the King comes, the more he sends. He's a gentleman in his apologies." Her sigh breathed more contentment than repining.
"So you'll take me with you?"