"If it be kindness to help you to a fool!" said Mistress Nell. "What, besides your thanks to me, brings you to town?"
I must forgive her the style in which she spoke of Barbara. I answered with a smile:
"I must see the King. I don't know his purposes about me. Besides, I desire that he should help me to my—fool."
"If you're wise you'll keep out of his sight." Then she began to laugh. "Nay, but I don't know," said she. Then with a swift movement she was by me, catching at my coat and turning up to me a face full of merriment. "Shall we play a comedy?" she asked.
"As you will. What shall be my part?"
"I'll give you a pretty part, Simon. Your face is very smooth; nay, do not fear, I remember so well that I needn't try again. You shall be this French lady of whom they speak."
"I the French lady! God forbid!"
"Nay, but you shall, Simon. And I'll be the King. Nay, I say, don't be afraid. I swear you tried to run away then!"
"Is it not prescribed as the best cure for temptation?"
"Alas, you're not tempted!" she said with a pout. "But there's another part in the comedy."