"Speak!" murmured Carr, overcome by his emotions. "Speak, that I may serve thee."
"'Tis but little," replied the lady, "yet would it please me much, and thou art able to converse freely with his Majesty."
"The King!" cried Carr, alarmed that the name of James should enter into his love making. "What wouldst thou with the King?"
Anne withdrew her hand. "Ah!" cried she, pushing him gently from her, "'tis so little, yet thou wouldst withhold thy courtesy. There be certain other gentlemen, my lord of——"
"Say not so," stammered the courtier, "be it the crown itself." His companion laughed merrily. "The crown!" cried she, "what would Anne Vaux with the crown of England? 'Tis but a simple question, a word with his Majesty, that I may gain a wager."
"Speak then," said Carr, "that I may hasten to obey thee."
"Thou knowest," replied Anne, "there be much serious speculation, many theories formed throughout the kingdom concerning the mind of the King regarding the penalties against the Catholics. Some there be who hold 'tis the King's wish that the ordinances, or edicts of Elizabeth, be removed utterly, while others affirm that James doth join with Parliament for their maintenance. Having been drawn into an argument with certain of my mistress' ladies, a wager was made, that ere the morrow the truth of the matter should to me be disclosed."
The look on her companion's face changed to consternation.
"Ask the King concerning so grave a matter?" cried he.
"A truce, Master Carr!" replied Anne, sharply, "it needeth small perception to discern thy temper. Thou dost ask much, yet givest little."