Do what you will, and God forgive your sins." And he lay back in his great chair with a good-humoured, lazy, weary smile, as he idly patted the little dog.

In spite of all that all men knew of him, I felt my heart warm to him, and I knelt on my knee again, saying: "God save your Majesty." "God is omnipotent," said the King gravely.

"I thank you, Mr Dale." Thus dismissed, we walked off together, and I was awaiting the Duke's pleasure to relieve him also of my company, when he turned to me with a smile, his white teeth gleaming: "The Queen sends a maid of honour to wait on Madame," said he.
"Indeed, sir; it is very fitting." "And the Duchess sends one also.

If you could choose from among the Duchess's--for I swear no man in his senses would choose any of Her Majesty's--whom would you choose, Mr.Dale ?" "It is not for me to say, your Grace," I answered.
"Well," said he, regarding me drolly, "I would choose Mistress Barbara Quinton." And with a last laugh he ran off in hot pursuit of a lady who passed at that moment and cast a very kindly glance at him.
Left alone, but in a good humour that the Duke's last jest could not embitter, I stood watching the scene.

The play had begun now on a stage at the end of the hall, but nobody seemed to heed it.