‘It is, I believe, at the present moment thirty-five and a half minutes after eight a.m., your Majesty. At eight precisely I received orders from your Majesty’s son to come hither, bringing with me your Majesty’s coach and guard of honour. Likewise a person, by name Mumkie, who is for the future to inhabit this cottage, and to enjoy the privilege of using for his own purposes all the live stock—sheep, oxen, kine, sows, pigs, cocks, hens——’
Here the King interrupted him.
‘That is enough. Tell them to get the carriage ready for three, and send Mumkie to me.’
‘Just so, your Majesty,’ said the courtier, and departed on his errand.
When he had gone the King said to the Queen and Ernalie:
‘Now, my dears, run up and put on your best things, and, Araminta, just see if our crowns are very tarnished. We ought to make our triumphal entry in state, for we are reinstated. And, by the bye, see if you’ve got an old coronet of Treblo’s that will fit Ernalie.’
‘What for, your Majesty?’ asked Ernalie in surprise.
‘For you to wear, of course,’ said the King.
‘But what do I want with a crown? I have to stop here with Mumkie—I’m part of the live stock.’
‘Good gracious! what do you mean?’ said the King and Queen together.