“I was sure,” cried the queen, “she was not come to stay, by seeing her father.”
I was glad by this to know my father had been observed.
“And when did you come?” cried the king.
“About two hours ago, sir.”
“And when do you return again to Windsor?”
“Very soon, I hope, sir.”
“And—and—and—” cried he, half laughing, and hesitating, significantly, “pray, how goes on the Muse?”
At first I only laughed, too; but he repeated the inquiry, and then I answered, “Not at all, sir.”
“No? But why?—why not?”
“I—I—I am afraid sir,” stammered I, and true enough, I am sure.