I sent again, saying that I desired to speak with her concerning our journey.

The lady's excuses returned to me; she had a headache and had sought her bed; she must pray me to defer my business till the morrow, and wished Mistress Gwyn and me good-night.
The maid tripped off smiling.
"Plague on her!" I cried angrily and loudly.

A laugh greeted the exclamation, and I turned to see Nell standing in the doorway of the room where we had supped.
"I knew, I knew!" she cried, revelling in her triumph, her eyes dancing in delight.

"Poor Simon! Alas, poor Simon, you know little of women! But come, you're a brave lad, and I'll comfort you.

Besides you have given me a jewelled dagger.