The interjection at the conclusion of this royal soliloquy, was occasioned by the unexpected entrance of another personage of the drama.
CHAPTER THE TWENTY-SEVENTH.
Benedict. Shall I speak a word in your ear?
Claudio. God bless me from a challenge.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.
As Charles was about to leave the apartment, he was prevented by the appearance of Wildrake, who entered with an unusual degree of swagger in his gait, and of fantastic importance on his brow. “I crave your pardon, fair sir,” he said; “but, as they say in my country, when doors are open dogs enter. I have knocked and called in the hall to no purpose; so, knowing the way to this parlour, sir,—for I am a light partisan, and the road I once travel I never forget,—I ventured to present myself unannounced.”
“Sir Henry Lee is abroad, sir, I believe, in the Chase,” said Charles, coldly, for the appearance of this somewhat vulgar debauchee was not agreeable to him at the moment, “and Master Albert Lee has left the Lodge for two or three days.”
“I am aware of it, sir,” said Wildrake; “but I have no business at present with either.”
“And with whom is your business?” said Charles; “that is, if I may be permitted to ask—since I think it cannot in possibility be with me.”
“Pardon me in turn, sir,” answered the cavalier; “in no possibility can it be imparted to any other but yourself, if you be, as I think you are, though in something better habit, Master Louis Girnigo, the Scottish gentleman who waits upon Master Albert Lee.”