He wished the king would hurry
about it- some of the gaudy people near by were becoming pretty
offensive. At this moment the king raised his head slightly and Hendon
caught a good view of his face. The sight nearly took his breath away!
He stood gazing at the fair young face like one transfixed; then
presently ejaculated:
'Lo, the lord of the Kingdom of Dreams and Shadows on his throne!'
He muttered some broken sentences, still gazing and marveling;
then turned his eyes around and about, scanning the gorgeous throng
and the splendid saloon, murmuring, 'But these are real- verily
these are real- surely it is not a dream.'
He stared at the king again- and thought, 'Is it a dream?... or is
he the veritable sovereign of England, and not the friendless poor Tom
o' Bedlam I took him for- who shall solve me this riddle?'
A sudden idea flashed in his eye, and he strode to the wall,
gathered up a chair, brought it back, planted it on the floor, and sat
down in it!
A buzz of indignation broke out, a rough hand was laid upon him,
and a voice exclaimed:
'Up, thou mannerless clown!- wouldst sit in the presence of the
king?'
The disturbance attracted his majesty's attention, who stretched
forth his hand and cried out:
'Touch him not, it is his right!'
The throng fell back, stupefied. The king went on:
'Learn ye all, ladies, lords and gentlemen, that this is my trusty
and well-beloved servant, Miles Hendon, who interposed his good
sword and saved his prince from bodily harm and possible death- and
for this he is a knight, by the king's voice.
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