"I do not know," replied another. "If his Royal Highness does not give us notice of his coming, how can we entertain him in a proper manner?"
"Would it be well to ask him to come to one of our homes?" inquired a third.
"No, no!" cried another. "We could not ask him to partake of our humble fare, or even come to our homes, after the splendor to which he has been accustomed. For my part, I shall go home to dinner."
"And I also," said the first one. "I do not care to remain here, and stare at the Prince, when we have nothing to offer."
Then one by one, the merchants slipped away, afraid or ashamed to ask the great Prince to their homes.
Prince George and the officer wondered at seeing the merchants disappear. At last there was but one man left, and as he walked toward the Prince, he bowed low, and said—
"Excuse me, sir; are you the husband of our Queen Anne, as folks here say you are?"
"Yes, I am," was the answer; "and have come for a few hours to see the sights of the good town of Bristol."
"Sir," said the man, "I have seen with much distress that none of our great merchants have invited you to their homes. Think not, sir, that it is because they are wanting in love and loyalty. They doubtless were all afraid to ask one so high as yourself to dine with them.
"I am one John Duddlestone, sir, only a bodice-maker, and I pray you not to take it amiss if I ask you and the gentleman who is with, you, to come to my humble home, where you will be most welcome."