Alas, that art should outstrip nature! Never have I seen portrayed so finely the resentment of a love that, however greatly wounded, is still love, that even in turning away longs to turn back, that calls even in forbidding, and in refusing breathes the longing to assent. Her feet still came towards me, but her eyes were on the King. "You sent me away," she whispered as she moved towards me and looked where the King was. "I was in a temper," said he. Then he turned to me, saying "Pray leave us, sir." I take it that I must have obeyed, but Nell sprang suddenly forward, caught my hand, and holding it faced the King. "He shan't go; or, if you send him away, I'll go with him." The King frowned heavily, but did not speak. She went on, choking down a sob--ay, a true sob; the part she played moved her, and beneath her acting there was a reality. She fought for her power over him and now was the test of it. "Will you take my friendships from me as well as my----? Oh, I won't endure it!" She had given him his hint in the midst of what seemed her greatest wrath. His frown persisted, but a smile bent his lips again. "Mr Dale," said he, "it is hard to reason with a lady before another gentleman. I was wrong to bid you go. But will you suffer me to retire to that room again?" I bowed low. "And," he went on, "will you excuse our hostess' presence for awhile?" I bowed again. "No, I won't go with you," cried Nell. "Nay, but, Nelly, you will," said he, smiling now. "Come, I'm old and mighty ugly, and Mr Dale is a strapping fellow. You must be kind to the unfortunate, Nelly." She was holding my hand still. The King took hers. Very slowly and reluctantly she let him draw her away. I did what seemed best to do; I sighed very heavily and plaintively, and bowed in sad submission. "Wait till we return," said the King, and his tone was kind. They passed out together, and I, laughing yet ashamed to laugh, flung myself in a chair. She would not keep him for herself alone; nay, as all the world knows, she made but a drawn battle of it with the Frenchwoman; but the disaster and utter defeat which had threatened her she had averted, jealousy had achieved what love could not, he would not let her go now, when another's arms seemed open for her. To this success I had helped her. On my life I was glad to have helped her. But I did not yet see how I had helped my own cause. I was long in the room alone, and though the King had bidden me await his return, he did not come again. Nell came alone, laughing, radiant and triumphant; she caught me by both hands, and swiftly, suddenly, before I knew, kissed me on the cheek. Nay, come, let me be honest; I knew a short moment before, but on my honour I could not avoid it courteously. "We've won," she cried. "I have what I desire, and you, Simon, are to seek him at Whitehall. He has forgiven you all your sins and--yes, he'll give you what favour you ask. He has pledged his word to me."