“Yea, a good preserve, truly,” observed the King. “I find my game, as I expected, flirting, waving kerchiefs, making eyes and throwing kisses to the latest passer-by.”
“I was encouraging the soldiers, my liege. That is every woman’s duty to her country.”
“And her countrymen,” said he, smiling. “You are very loyal, Nell. Come down!” It was irritating, indeed, to be kept so at arm’s length.
She gazed down at him with impish sweetness–down at the King of England!
“Come up!” she said, leaning over the balustrade.
“Nay; come down if you love me,” pleaded the King.
“Nay; come up if you love me,” said Nell, enticingly.
“Egad! I am too old to climb,” exclaimed the Merry Monarch.
“Egad! I am too young yet for the downward path, your Majesty,” retorted Nell.
The King shrugged his shoulders indifferently.