'You are a shrewd fellow,' the King said.
'I have a shrewd ache in the head,' the spy answered. 'If you would give me a boon, let me begone.'
The King got stiffly up from his stool, and, bracing his feet firmly, gave the spy one hand. The tall man shook upon his legs.
'Why, I have done well!' he said, smiling. 'Now Privy Seal shall take me for his very bedfellow, until it shall please your Highness to deal with him for good and all.'
He went, waveringly, along the corridor, brushing the hangings with his shoulder.
Katharine stood out before the King.
'Now I will get me gone,' she said. 'This is no place for me.'
He surveyed her amiably, resting his hands on his red-clothed thighs as he sat his legs akimbo on his stool.
'Why, it is main cold here,' he said. 'But bide a short space.'
'I am not made for courts,' she answered.