"Indeed, but I'm proud," she said, turning to Prince George, "to welcome you to our home. 'Tis but poor and humble, but we shall think more of it after this. I'll hurry and get dinner at once. I dare say you are hungry, gentlemen."
Prince George laughed gayly, as he thanked her for her kind welcome, and sat down.
The table was soon spread, and the Prince ate well, and appeared to enjoy himself so much, that Mrs. Duddlestone could scarcely believe he had always been accustomed to lords and ladies and footmen, and had never before sat down in such an humble way.
Prince George inquired about their business and pleasures.
"Do you never come up to London?" he asked; "I think you would find it worth your while to take a holiday some time, and see the great city."
"Ah well," said Mrs. Duddlestone, "if that is not just the thing I long for. I've never been yet, nor am I likely to go, but John has been once or twice."
"And why, John, have you never taken your wife as well, to see the great sights?"
"Well, to say the truth," answered John, "I do not go to see the sights; for though I've been two or three times, I don't think I've seen any.
"I must needs go sometimes to buy whalebone, and other trifles which I must have for my business here. So I just go and come back, and meddle with none."
"Well, well," said the Prince, "the next time you come to London, you must bring your wife with you, and pay me a visit."