Part 30 (1/2)
”Do you carry a message from him to me?”
”I did but say that I knew a gentleman who might supply his needs. They are four; a heart, a head, a hand, and perhaps a sword.”
”All men have them, then.”
”The first true, the second long, the third strong, and the fourth ready.”
”I fear then that I haven't all of them.”
”And for reward----”
”I know. His life, if he can come off with it.”
Nell burst out laughing.
”He didn't say that, but it may well reckon up to much that figure,” she admitted. ”You'll think of it, Simon?”
”Think of it? I! Not I!”
”You won't?”
”Or I mightn't attempt it.”
”Ah! You will attempt it?”
”Of a certainty.”
”You're very ready. Is it all honesty?”
”Is ever anything all honesty, madame--saving your devotion to the King?”
”And the French lady's to her religion?” laughed Nell. ”On my soul, I think the picture that the King of France saw was a fair one. Have you looked on it, Simon?”
”On my life I don't love her.”
”On my life you will.”
”You seek to stop me by that prophecy?”
”I don't care whom you love,” said she. Then her face broke into smiles.
”What liars women are!” she cried. ”Yes, I do care; not enough to grow wrinkled, but enough to wish I hadn't grown half a lady and could----”
”You stop?”
”Could--could--could slap your face, Simon.”
”It would be a light infliction after breaking a man's heart,” said I, turning my cheek to her and beckoning with my hand.
”You should have a revenge on my face; not in kind, but in kindness. I can't strike a man who won't hit back.” She laughed at me with all her old enticing gaiety.
I had almost sealed the bargain; she was so roguish and so pretty. Had we met first then, it is very likely she would have made the offer, and very certain that I should have taken it. But there had been other days; I sighed.