"It sounds such utter nonsense," said Margaret, "and besides he's a monster, he hates women! Subdue this lion?" she added, thoughtfully. "Perhaps Lyonesse will do the like with me."
* * * * *
The Chancellor was gone, and Margaret sat alone, watching the passing shadows of white clouds, when Miss Temple came in upon her Lady's solitude, trembling lest the Queen should scold her, and hovered over her with a kiss and some whispers.
"Why, of course," said Margaret, gaily. "Let him come."
The governess returned leading Lord Sydney by the hand, while at the sound of the man's armour, Margaret felt a queer small thrill in her veins.
"Sydney, come here."
He bent upon his knee, kissed her white hand, but dared not lift his eyes to see her face.
"Dear me," said Margaret, "please be human, Jimmy. I've been sitting here all day trying to be good, whereas I'm just crazy for a game of cricket. Do you remember when you bowled, and raised a lump on my shin as big as an egg?"
He looked up into her face, and though she heard a little quivering sigh his eyes seemed to be laughing.
"You were Peggy, and I was Jimmy then, when you were ten and I nineteen."