"If your Majesties and the Princess will deign to enter the coach, we can set forth at once," was the reply.
"Get in, children, get in!" cried Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. "You and Ruby, Edna, must sit with your backs to the horses, and there will be plenty of room for Clarence between you."
"With all respect, Sir," said the Marshal, as Clarence was preparing to get in. "It is the custom on such an occasion as this for the Crown Prince to ride on the right of the Coach. I have arranged that a horse shall be at your Royal Highness's service."
"Thanks awfully," said Clarence, as he glanced at a spirited chestnut mare which two squires were endeavouring with some difficulty to soothe, "but—er—I think I'd rather drive." He was reflecting, as he took his seat in the coach, that he would really have to take a few riding lessons shortly, in private.
"Isn't Miss Heritage coming with us, Mummy?" called Ruby from the window.
"In the State Coach, my dear! Of course not!"
"But why not, Mater?" protested Clarence. "There's lots of room."
"Because I could not think of allowing it, Clarence. Perhaps Mrs. Fogleplug will be kind enough to give her a lift in—in her own conveyance."
"Unfortunately," replied the Court Godmother, "my car will not hold more than one person."
"Well, Miss Heritage must find her way to the Palace, then! There's no necessity for her to be present at the Coronation."