"Now tell me what it is I can do for you. I only have a very few minutes to spare."
She was a remarkably handsome woman, with a splendid figure. I was struck, too, by her pleasant smile.
"It's like this, you know, the late King took a fancy to me, and induced me to come here to Karena."
"Wait a moment. To begin with, who are you, and where do you come from?"
"I was in the Polly-Doddy troupe; Eliza de Vere, I call myself. It isn't my real name, but it'll do. His Majesty saw me dancin', and made my acquaintance. After a bit, I came along here, but the first thing I know is that I find myself in a Palace and him lying dead, and I've lost my job with the troupe, and gone dead broke except for the few things I brought along with me. Then I hear as there's a new King, so I think I'll hop along and try to hook him, but I see your Majesty isn't one of that sort, so all I want now is to get away. God knows when I shall get another job, don't suppose I ever shall, for I broke my contract to come here."
She stopped, for want of breath, I imagine.
"Is that all you want?" I asked.
"Yes, thank your Majesty, if you'll give me the fare home I daresay I'll do. I can always get a livin'."
"What would you like best to do?" I asked, for I was sorry for this frank, vulgar, beautiful creature.
"If I had my wish, I'd live in the country. I was born on a farm, and I'd love a little place with chickens and a pig or two; that's what I thought I could get out of the old man, but he's gone."