Much to the duke's surprise, she smiled upon him and gave a cordial
welcome, saying: "My lord, you have been unkind to us of late and have
not shown us the light of your countenance. I am glad to see you once
more; tell me the news."
"I cannot say there is much of interest. I have learned the new dance
from Caskoden, if that is news, and hope for a favor at our next ball
from the fairest lady in the world."
"And quite welcome," returned Mary, complacently appropriating the
title, "and welcome to more than one, I hope, my lord."
This graciousness would have looked suspicious to one with less vanity
than Buckingham, but he saw no craft in it. He did see, however, that
Mary did not know who had attacked her in Billingsgate, and he felt
greatly relieved.
The duke smiled and smirked, and was enchanted at her kindness. They
walked down the corridor, talking and laughing, Mary awaiting an
opportunity to put the important question without exciting suspicion.
At last it came, when Buckingham, half inquiringly, expressed his
surprise that Mary should be found sitting at the king's door.
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