"Oh, I am well again," smiled Mary; "but you will make yourself unpopular if you disappoint the people—yet I am glad you came—I thought I must see you—that is why I came from Hampton yesterday, forgive me—but even the sound of the Tower guns as you went to Parliament was company——"
She paused, and seemed rather exhausted by the effort of speaking. William noticed with unutterable anxiety that the hand he held was burning hot and that she shivered continuously, yet she was so joyous, smiling, and lovely he could not trust his own fears.
The two ladies had withdrawn to the other end of the gallery. The King took the stool beside Mary.
"Did you pass the Parliament Bill?" she asked.
"Yes," he said, never taking his eyes from her face and speaking as if it was a matter of no moment.
"Ah, why?" she asked, startled.
"I did not care; what doth it matter? Do not talk of business, Marie."
"No," she said softly; "let us forget great affairs for once. I am so weary, dear."
"But you are better?" He could scarcely control his voice.
She smiled brightly.