"At any rate, her loss does not give me much concern. Women are enigmas, and pass my comprehension."
"Thou art thinking of one in particular."
"The sex are all alike—whimsical, capricious, inconstant."
"But always attractive. What hath displeased thy mistress with thee?"
"On my honour, sire, I know not. Methought she was flying at higher game."
"You need fear no rival in me, Will. I am proof against all feminine wiles just now. I have something else to think of. But let us examine our quarters."
"Climb a little higher up, my liege, and you will find a most comfortable seat—there!—between the main stem and one of the upper branches."
"I have it," said Charles, seating himself. "Oddsfish! how thick the foliage is! 'Tis a perfect luxury to sit amongst it. Find a place near me if thou canst."
Careless obeyed, and while searching for a convenient place among the branches, suddenly called out:
"Adzooks! We have a companion, sire."