“And, being a woman, I do answer,” replied the irrepressible Nell, “’–and played the fools themselves, my lord!’”
The players tried to smother their feelings; but the retort was too apt, and the greenroom rang with laughter.
Buckingham turned fiercely upon them; but their faces were instantly mummified.
“Gad, I would sooner face the Dutch fleet, Nelly. Up go my hands, fair robber,” he said. He had decided to succumb for the present. In his finger-tips glistened a golden guinea.
Nell eyed the coin dubiously.
“Nay, keep this and your wares too,” added his lordship, in hope of peace, as he placed it in her hand.
“Do you think me a beggar?” replied Nell, indignantly. “Take your possessions, every one–every orange.” She filled his hands and arms to overflowing with her golden wares.
His lordship winced, but stood subdued.
“What am I to do with them?” he asked, falteringly.
“Eat them; eat them,” promptly and forcefully retorted the quondam orange-vender.