“Why, he is a courtier already,” said the Queen. “You have been giving him lessons, Minnie, you sly girl.”
“A loyal heart makes the best courtier, madam,” said Mary, taking the Queen’s hand delicately in her own.
“And next to looking upon my Grace, Mr. Norris,” said Elizabeth, “what do you best love?”
“Listening to your Grace,” said Anthony, promptly.
Mary turned and flashed all her teeth upon him in a smile, and her eyes danced in her head.
Elizabeth laughed outright.
“He is an apt pupil,” she said to Mary.
“—You mean the lute, sir?” she added.
“I mean your Grace’s voice, madam. I had forgotten the lute.”
“Ah, a little clumsy!” said the Queen; “not so true a thrust as the others.”