"You have been away from me a long weary time, and I know you have forgotten me." The king denied the charge, and doubtless took his own way to convince her.
"While you have been away, I have found a new friend to console me," said Nelly.
"Ah!" exclaimed the king, with suddenly awakened interest.
"Yes," returned Nelly.
"Is your new friend a man or a woman ?" asked Charles.
"A woman, of course, oh, jealous heart! You know there is but one man in the world for me--your ugly self." "Who is your friend ?" asked the king.
"I'll give you three guesses.

You admire her greatly," said Nelly.
"Indeed, it must be the Bishop of Canterbury's lady," suggested his Majesty.
"Surely!" exclaimed Nell, with a merry laugh.

"But guess again." When the king had exhausted his three guesses, she said triumphantly, "My new friend's name is Frances Jennings." "Ah, indeed!" exclaimed the king.

"She will have nothing to say to my friends, Lady Castlemain and others, and I supposed she would be too nice and proper to choose you for her friend." "No, no," returned Nelly.

"She is my first friend among the court ladies.
We have had several rare adventures together, and don't you know, I have discovered that she is in love." "With whom ?" demanded the king.
"With your friend and mine, George Hamilton," returned Nelly.
"Ah, well, he is in France, and we shall see that he remains there," said the king.
"No, he is not in France.