“ONCE MORE YOU HAVE SAVED ME.”
“Bon voyage, madame,” said Nell, demurely, as the Duchess took Buckingham’s arm and departed.
The King’s eyes fell upon the player, Hart, who was still in custody.
“Away with this wretch!” he cried, incensed at his conduct. “I am not done with him.”
“Forgive him, Sire,” interceded Nell. “He took his cue from Heaven, and good has come of it.”
“True, Nell,” said the King, mercifully. Then he turned to Hart: “You are free; but henceforth act the knave only on the stage.” Hart bowed with shame and withdrew.
“Sire, Sire,” exclaimed Strings, forgetting his decorum in his eagerness.
“Well, Strings?” inquired the King, good-humouredly; for there was now no cloud in his sky.