"Nay, I would only see the fun," I answered carelessly.
"But even that might well be dangerous," said she. "Remember there be wicked, desperate men abroad just now."
I could have told her so much, but I only laughed and said:
"Nay, have no fear, sweet girl, for, look you, I am fully armed and care for no man. But, say, how shall I get into the room through such a press?"
"Why, if you must really go," said she, "I will take you through the antechamber, and that will bring you well into the room, not far from where the Duke is sitting."
"Most excellent!" quoth I. "I pray you lead the way at once, dear Miriam."
She turned as if to go, then stopped and gazed upon me in a sad, reproachful fashion.
"Michael," she murmured, "how can you talk of seeing fun when your poor father is thus lying----"
"Stop! stop!" I broke in swiftly. "We will not speak of that, dear girl. You do not understand. It may be that I seek to drown my thoughts. Lead on, I pray you."
And so I followed Miriam, and was ushered in.