"Very well," said Agnes, "I will ask no questions; I will wait. It does not really matter, only I heard someone say the other day, 'Agnes Beaumont! What Beaumont is that?' and no one seemed to know."
"It was your mother's name," said Patience; "you have a right to bear it, for you were christened Agnes Beaumont. Your father's name alone is wanting, and that you will surely claim one day, either you or your husband for you."
"Oh, that husband!" said Agnes, laughing; "I wonder who he will be!"
"A noble gentleman, I trust," said Patience, "who will give you back all that you have lost."
Agnes pouted.
"I do not care to go to any man as a beggar girl," she answered proudly.
"That you surely will not," answered Patience. "Have no fear. And now let me dress you. The princess is going to Whitehall with the queen to-night, and you are to accompany her. It is a mistake, a great mistake," continued Patience; "you are too young."
"Ah! but I like it," said Agnes; "I like going to the king's court, and, if the Princess Henrietta goes, surely it cannot hurt me."
Patience shook her head.
"I am not so sure of that," she said.