“We have come here for entertainment and instruction, Sir Wizard,” Raby said, seeing the hesitation of his companions; “’tis for your art to furnish it.”
“Ay,” replied the wizard calmly, his brilliant black eyes still fixed upon Anne Boleyn, “I saw you when you came down to the water-stairs at Greenwich.”
The queen started and drew her mantle closer, while both Lady Rochford and Mistress Gaynsford recoiled in superstitious dread. Anxious as they all were to conceal Anne’s identity, this remark threw them into confusion. It was Betty who came boldly to the rescue.
“Good Master Wizard,” she said, “I pray you tell us our fortunes.”
“Yours I have already told, Mistress Carew,” he replied with a smile.
At this Betty, too, drew back in amazement, but Simon Raby reassured her.
“He knew thy voice,” he whispered; “’tis but child’s play, have no fear.”
Alarmed at the wizard’s knowledge, Lady Rochford had laid her hand on the queen’s arm, trying to draw her away, but Anne shook her off with impatience; possessing a naturally intrepid and wilful nature, she had no mind to be so easily balked in her purpose. She walked over to the table, and pointed her finger at some glass instruments and a scepter lying there.
“What are these, sir?” she said curiously, her natural taste for adventure overcoming her hesitation.
“They are used to conjure the four kings, madam,” replied the wizard, courteously; “I will gladly show you more curious things.”