"Ah, Rowley," said Nell. "You have been away from me a long weary time, and I know you have forgotten me."
The king denied the charge, and doubtless took his own way to convince her.
"While you have been away, I have found a new friend to console me," said
Nelly.
"Ah!" exclaimed the king, with suddenly awakened interest.
"Yes," returned Nelly.
"Is your new friend a man or a woman?" asked Charles.
"A woman, of course, oh, jealous heart! You know there is but one man in the world for me—your ugly self."
"Who is your friend?" asked the king.
"I'll give you three guesses. You admire her greatly," said Nelly.
"Indeed, it must be the Bishop of Canterbury's lady," suggested his
Majesty.