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Page 23
nate I shall never see an equal consideration from you, for the surprise would slay me outright."
Simon tried to swallow his laughter and succeeded only in choking himself, so that he was speechless for some minutes. Finally he wiped his eyes with the leather inside of his gauntlet and bowed to Alinor. "I was not laughing at the kindness of the thought," he began gravely, but his sobriety did not last. He began to laugh again. "She does not know you, Madam, but to me, who have had much ado to keep pace with you, God help me, you and that chair together are funny."
The Queen stared at him enigmatically for a moment. There was not, nor had there been, any anger in her face in spite of her sharp words. In fact, although her expression was grave enough, her eyes were dancing with mischief.
"Funny, eh?" she said softly. "Well, well, my Simon. You have had your laugh, but I have just thought of a fine jest. We shall see if you laugh as heartily at that."

 
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