She had heard that the King was
leaving Strelsau on a hunting expedition.
"I regret that we cannot amuse your Majesty here in Strelsau," she said,
tapping her foot lightly on the floor. "I would have offered you more
entertainment, but I was foolish enough to think--"
"Well, what?" I asked, leaning over her.
"That just for a day or two after--after last night--you might be happy
without much gaiety;" and she turned pettishly from me, as she added, "I
hope the boars will be more engrossing."
"I'm going after a very big boar," said I; and, because I could not help
it, I began to play with her hair, but she moved her head away.
"Are you offended with me?" I asked, in feigned surprise, for I could
not resist tormenting her a little. I had never seen her angry, and
every fresh aspect of her was a delight to me.
"What right have I to be offended? True, you said last night that every
hour away from me was wasted. But a very big boar! that's a different
thing."
"Perhaps the boar will hunt me," I suggested. "Perhaps, Flavia, he'll
catch me."
She made no answer.
"You are not touched even by that danger?"
Still she said nothing; and I, stealing round, found her eyes full of
tears.
"You weep for my danger?"
Then she spoke very low:
"This is like what you used to be; but not like the King--the King I--I
have come to love!"
With a sudden great groan, I caught her to my heart.
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