“By the time the King, with his daughter in his arms, had been twice round the forecourt, over the drawbridge, down a steep bank into a ploughed field through a brook, in and out of an orchard, over two walls and along an evil-smelling drain, his mind was made up.
“As the Court arrived—
“ ‘Issue two orders,’ he said faintly. ‘First, all cats are to be collected and kept under lock and key until further notice. Penalty for disobedience, Death.’ He nodded at the bloodhound, who was eating heartily. ‘God knows where I should be, but for that sheep’s head.’ He paused to mop his face. ‘Secondly, the Master of the Horse is to be found forthwith.’
“Half an hour later the two men once more faced each other. The Master of the Horse had Sunset in his arms, with the dog stretched at his feet. The King had his cheque-book in his hand.
“ ‘Supposing,’ said the King, ‘supposing you rubbed that ring.’
“ ‘Why?’ said the Master of the Horse, glancing at the beautiful face upon his shoulder. ‘I’m not in any trouble.’
“The King fingered his beard.
“ ‘You can’t go on like this,’ he observed. ‘It’s—it’s unheard of.’
“ ‘It is at present,’ was the reply. ‘But it’ll soon get about. You know what Scandal is.’
“The King rose to his feet and took a short turn.