'The yeomen of the guard are already assigned to you,' proceeded the king; 'but now it is fitting that you be introduced to the first queen; 'and he signified to him by a gracious nod that the audience was over. Alf proceeded with a beating heart towards the apartments of the queen.
'Walk in! walk in!' cried a silvery voice in the room, at the door of which Alf's name and dignity had been announced by the lady in waiting. He stepped in. Upon an elevated and gilded chair, in full dignity, sat the queen. He was so much dazzled by her beauty that he scarcely observed the other two queens, who were sitting upon less elevated seats on each side of her.
'It is you, young man,' said the enchantress, in the sweetest tones, 'whom henceforth we shall have to thank for the safety of our days and the tranquillity of our nights.'
Alf bowed in silence.
'Only be careful continued the queen, with an alluring smile, 'that you do not rob the ladies of the palace of their repose, whom it is your duty to guard.'
The embarrassed Alf could not find presence of mind to enable him to answer, and queen Eliza sprang from her seat and hastened to the window.
'You are already married?' asked the queen.
'Only engaged--I am--I was--and am half way so yet,' stammered Alf, very unintelligibly.
'And the other half?' asked the queen, mischievously. Eliza turned her burning glance upon the floor.
'Permit me to be silent upon that point,' said Alf, with becoming modesty.