He could almost touch Nell’s finger-tips.
“Farewell, sweet,” he said; “I must help them find his Majesty or they will swarm here like bees. Yet I must see my Nell again to-night. You have bewitched me, wench. Sup with me within the hour–at–Ye Blue Boar Inn. Can you find the place?”
There was mischief in Nell’s voice as she leaned upon the balustrade. She dropped a flower; he caught it.
“Sire, I can always find a rendezvous,” she answered.
“You’re the biggest rogue in England,” laughed Charles.
“Of a subject, perhaps, Sire,” replied Nell, pointedly.
“That is treason, sly wench,” rejoined the King; but his voice grew tender as he added: “but treason of the tongue and not the heart. Adieu! Let that seal thy lips, until we meet.”
He threw a kiss to the waiting lips upon the balcony.
“Alack-a-day,” sighed Nell, sadly, as she caught the kiss. “Some one may break the seal, my liege; who knows?”
“How now?” questioned Charles, jealously.