“Even so,” said the King, in a low tone, bending his head.
Sir Charles had moved round the settee, and had opened the door. He touched Dick on the elbow. Dick started for a moment and then stalked through the door. Sir Charles went out with his face turned towards the King.
“A straightforward fellow, but as conceited as a Puritan, Nell,” cried the King, with a laugh. “What brought him here?” But Nell had sunk once more on her knees beside the settee, and her face was, as before, buried in the cushion.
“Ha, what's this, Nelly? What's amiss?” said the King, bending over her.
“Oh, go away—go away! I never want to see you again. You heard the word, profligate, profligate!”
“I'll go away, Nell, so soon as I pass to you the two papers which I hold in my hand.”
“I want no papers; I want to be alone.”
“Come, dear child; see if you will like your new plaything.”
He pushed before her one of the two papers which he held.
She glanced at it without rising, and without taking it from him. Suddenly she put out a hand to it.