"See him here, dear," said Belvane, as she got up. "I have things to do in the Palace."
She left him; and by and by the flunkey returned with the stranger. He was a pleasant-looking person with a round clean-shaven face; something in the agricultural way, to judge from his clothes.
"Well?" said Merriwig.
"I desire to be your Majesty's swineherd," said the other.
"What do you know of swineherding?"
"I have a sort of natural aptitude for it, your Majesty, although I have never actually been one."
"My own case exactly. Now then, let me see—how would you——"
The stranger took out a large red handkerchief and wiped his forehead.
"You propose to ask me a few questions, your Majesty?"
"Well, naturally, I——"