She had not moved from the middle of the room. She did not hold out a hand to him. He walked slowly to the door. Then he turned round.
“I humbly ask your pardon, sir,” he said to Sir Charles.
“Sir,” said the courtier, “I honour you more than any living man.”
“Nell—Nell—come to me—come away with me—come to my arms, Nell,” cried the man, holding out his hands to her from where she stood.
Sir Charles watched her face. He saw it light up for a moment. Her hands moved; she was going to him.
No, she only looked at the man who loved her and was ready to offer her everything, and said:
“Dick, I have a boy in a cradle upstairs.”
There was another long pause before Dick whispered the words: “God bless thee, Nell,” Then the door was flung wide in his face by a lacquey, who bowed to the ground as he ushered in a rather plainfaced man wearing a diamond star and a broad blue sash, as well as a diamond garter.
Nell sank in a courtesy, and Sir Charles Sedley made an obeisance. Dick remained unmoved.
“Ha! what have we here?” said the stranger. “'Odsfish! a pretty family picture! Who may you be, good sir?” he asked of Dick.