‘I—have seen a dear friend go away, sir,’ she faltered, with downcast eyes.
‘Ah—partings are sad—very sad—for us all. You must hope your friend will return soon. Where is he or she gone?’
‘I don’t know, your Majesty.’
‘Don’t know—how is that?’
‘He is a sailor on board the Victory.’
‘Then he has reason to be proud,’ said the King with interest. ‘He is your brother?’
Anne tried to explain what he was, but could not, and blushed with painful heat.
‘Well, well, well; what is his name?’
In spite of Anne’s confusion and low spirits, her womanly shrewdness told her at once that no harm could be done by revealing Bob’s name; and she answered, ‘His name is Robert Loveday, sir.’
‘Loveday—a good name. I shall not forget it. Now dry your cheeks, and don’t cry any more. Loveday—Robert Loveday.’