"Dreaming, Sir Knight. Fie on you again! You should be minding your devoir. I asked you to gather me primroses."
He was awake once more, and dreams put aside for a more profitable moment.
"Sweet flowers for sweeter wearer," he said. "Would I were indeed your knight, little mistress, so should you ever walk on primrose paths."
She looked at him from over the great posy she held in her hands.
"Nay," she replied, "I think the primrose path would soon be left if you were no more faithful than you have been these ten years. Alas! I remember now the tears I shed watching vainly day by day under the shadow of the old wall for my playmate."
"And so did I--that you had vowed to be my true knight."
"It was before you knew my name--or understood."
She was plucking at green leaves and would not spare him.
"That your father would not have had you speak to a traitor's son."
"Bah! But my father died four years ago."
"We cannot answer for our fathers' sins. As long as _you_ are not a traitor, what matter?"
For answer he silently raised her little hand to his lips.
She was smiling as presently she withdrew it. So, after all, the lover had come.
"You will be my friend?" she asked simply; but her eyes, under veiled lashes, flashed with coquetry.
"In life I should prefer it. I need a friend, sir."
"I am sure so fair a lady must have many."
"Morry! There! I must not be scornful, for I love him devoutly--when he's sober. But the Prince of Wales has admitted him into his most select circle. You understand, sir?"
Understand! The Prince of Wales's debts, extravagances, follies, and empty-headed good-nature were the gossip of every ale-house throughout England!
"There is only old Nurse Bond," sighed Gabrielle. "My father had no kin and my mother's are in Brittany. Sometimes I vow that I will go out to them for protection."
"You forget the Revolution in France. Ere long, methinks, these friends of yours are like to seek protection from you."
"Perhaps; but I would rather go out there. As for the Revolution, Morry says it is a good thing, and Mr. Fox and Mr. Sheridan say the same."
"And every young rake in the Prince of Wales's set to boot. Yet I will not believe that they think it, mistress. It is a party question, and they air their opinions to annoy Burke and Pitt. But it is too fair a day for politics, and I am no politician. Where shall I bestow my posies?"