Page:Mary Stuart (Drinkwater).djvu/43

 Mary: What then?

Darnley: Am I King of Scotland?

Mary: Have you—forgotten?

Darnley: Is he your lover?

Mary: If he were ?

Darndey: Am I to be conunon gossip in Edinburgh?

Mary: Is that all? No; he is not my lover.

Darndey: They talk. The Queen, they say, has a sweet instructor.

Mary: I have need of such.

Darnley: What is the instruction?

Mary: Ask your gossips. The word is not mine.

Darnley: Will you dismiss this man?

Mary: But why should I? He is a competent secretary. He sings prettily. He has a grace. Why should I lose him?

Darnley: Because I ask it.

Mary: But I do not remember you.

Darnley: What wit is that?

Mary: You speak as one privileged to control my affections. I do not remember such a one.

Darnley: This man governs you.

Mary: Alas, no.