“I’faith,” laughed Nell, in reply, “I know not, Duchess.”
“D’ye hear?” said Portsmouth. “He knows not himself.”
“But I have a suspicion, Duchess,” sighed Nell.
“Hark ye,” laughed Portsmouth, with a very pretty pout, “he has a suspicion, ladies.”
“Nay, you will tell?” protested Nell, as the ladies gathered closer about her in eager expectation.
There was a unison of voices to the contrary.
“Trust us, fair sir,” said one. “Oh, we are good at keeping secrets.”
“Then, ’twixt you and me, I am–” began Nell; and she hesitated, teasingly.
The group about grew more eager, more wild with curiosity.
“Yes, yes–” they exclaimed together.