"Please it you, Dame, that should like me right well. Howbeit, I hope there should be more lads than lasses."
The Princess indulged in another hilarious convulsion.
"Thy time will come, lad!" said she, when she was able to speak. "Till it do, thou canst lake thee with Tom, which is scarce the younger of thee.—It shall do right well, fair Son: and I pray you heartily to set the matter in train."
"Aye, methinks it were well done," answered the King.
But neither of them explained what was to be done, though Roger's curiosity was intense. Manifestly, he was to be taken from the Earl of Arundel, and given in wardship to some other nobleman. That was a delightful prospect. If he could only be rid of Alice as well, Roger thought he would be in Paradise. And the King had offered him a favour. Roger turned boldly to His Majesty.
"Sire, your Grace said you would pleasure me. Pray you, have me rid of yon Alice. I love no maids, and her least of all."
Once more the Princess burst out laughing. The King looked quietly amused.
"Is that the dearest wish of your heart, fair Cousin?"
"It is so, at this present, my Liege."
"He shall have a dearer anon, or I am no prophetess," exclaimed the convulsed Princess.