smiled and dimpled, as only she could, and was full of bright glances
and gracious words.

She tried a hundred little schemes to get him to herself for a
moment--the hunting of a wild flower or a four-leaved clover, or the
exploration of some little nook in the forest toward which she would
lead him--but Jane did not at first take the hint and kept close at
her heels. Mary's impulsive nature was not much given to hinting--she
usually nodded and most emphatically at that--so after a few failures
to rid herself of her waiting lady she said impatiently: "Jane, in the
name of heaven don't keep so close to us. You won't move out of reach
of my hand, and you know how often it inclines to box your ears."

Jane did know, I am sorry for Mary's sake to say, how often the fair
hand was given to such spasms; so with this emphasized hint she walked
on ahead, half sulky at the indignity put upon her, and half amused at
her whimsical mistress.

Mary lost no time, but began the attack at once.

"Now, sir, I want you to tell me the truth; why do you refuse my
invitations and so persistently keep away from me? I thought at first
I would simply let you go your way, and then I thought I--would not.
Don't deny it. I know you won't. With all your faults, you don't tell
even little lies; not even to a woman--I believe. Now there is a fine
compliment--is it not?--when I intended to scold you!" She gave a
fluttering little laugh, and, with hanging head, continued: "Tell me,
is not the king's sister of quality sufficient to suit you? Perhaps
you must have the queen or the Blessed Virgin? Tell me now?" And she
looked up at him, half in banter, half in doubt.