"To catch a glimpse of the most beautiful woman in Europe," replied my lord of Rochester with bold gallantry.
"Then you'll come see her in Versailles," she replied, drinking in the full measure of his flattering speech, the obvious falseness of which would not have deceived a child.
"Nay, now that I have seen her!" he retorted, "I must hie me home to England again."
"So soon! Then why did you come? Nay!" she added with mock severity, "Do not repeat your pretty lie again. You could not imagine to see me in this old church to-day. I came out of curiosity, to see this strange, ill-assorted marriage. Tell me what makes the rich Earl of Stowmaries wed a tailor's daughter?"
"He was not always rich, nor always Earl of Stowmaries. The ceremony was not a marriage. It was a confirmation."
"And you came to witness it?"
"And to take part in an adventure."
"I might have guessed. Who is the lady?"
"The bride of half an hour ago."