"So far as Carberry you may. Fortunately, I have the queen's servants in attendance on me, and not my uncle's; so let us mount and go, for the evening is drawing on, and probably we shall not ride fast," she added, with a droll smile.
"I am with you so seldom, dearest Madeline, that I am loath to lessen the joy of our happy meeting; do tarry with me here a little longer."
"But the queen's grooms——"
"Let them wait; for what do the varlets wear livery? I have a matter near my heart on which I must speak with you."
"That you love me," said Madeline playfully; "but you have told me that often already."
"Love you, Lady Yarrow! oh, I love you—love you dearly; but——"
"But what?"
"My heart beats so fast, and love so bewilders me, that I know not what I say."
"To the point—you have some secret, Florence."
"Know you a gentleman named Shelly?"