"You lose no time, mistress," he said, with an uneasy laugh.
"I've lost too much already," she flashed back.
"With me?" he asked, and was answered by a sweeping curtsey and a scornful smile.
"You're a bold man, Mr Dale," said he. "I knew it before, and am now most convinced of it."
"I didn't expect to meet your Majesty here," said I sincerely.
"I don't mean that. You're bold to come here at all."
"Mistress Gwyn is very kind to me," said I. I would play my part and would not fail her, and I directed a timid yet amorous glance at Nell. The glance reached Nell, but on its way it struck the King. He was patient of rivals, they said, but he frowned now and muttered an oath. Nell broke into sudden laughter. It sounded forced and unreal. It was meant so to sound.
"We're old friends," said she, "Simon and I. We were friends before I was what I am. We're still friends, now that I am what I am. Mr Dale escorted me from Dover to London."
"He is an attentive squire," sneered the King.
"He hardly left my side," said Nell.