“I asked him after himself, to be sure. I' faith the lad has prospered, Nell—not as you have prospered, to be sure—”
“Nay, not as I have prospered.”
“Of course not; but still somewhat. He will tell you all, himself.”
“What? You told him where I dwelt?”
“'I meant it not, Nelly; but he had it from me before I was aware. But he knows nothing. I tell you he only came to London from Bristol port in the morning. He will have no time to hear of the king and the king's fancies before he sees you.”
“He is coming hither, then? No, he must not come! Oh, he shall not come! Mother, you have played me false!”
“I? Oh, the wench is mad! False? What could I say, girl, when he pressed me?”
“You could have said that I was dead—that would have been the truth. The girl he knew is dead. He must not come to this house.”
“Then give your lacqueys orders not to admit him, and all will be well. But I thought that you would e'en see the lad, Nell, now that he has prospered. If he had n't prospered it would be different.”
“Only an orange-seller, and yet with the precepts of a lady of quality! I'll not see him. Did he say he'd come soon?”