But My Lord Rector was speaking in the Latin tongue, "ad hoc gradum admitto ...," and Sylvie, Natalie, Amelie, Virginie, Sidonie, Dorothée, and little Clementine, with all the other maidens who had frolicked with them merrily so long a time, arose, as pretty a sight to see as ever king in Christendom had before him, and their new honors fell upon untroubled white foreheads. Then there was sound of rejoicing, and light shone through the stained windows on the glad faces and gay garments of the people assembled there; and suddenly, lo! My Lord Rector stepped from his high place and went to take the hand of little Clementine. With eyes cast down she followed him, and now she was rosy and now pale, and so the two kneeled at the feet of the king under the canopy.
"We two do crave your Majesty's blessing," said My Lord Rector, "on our betrothal."
Then a ripple of wonder and of laughter ran through the great hall, and his Majesty, smiling, blessed them with extended hands, and as they rose, he bent forward with a twinkle, whispering:—
"You have done well, My Lord Rector, in carrying out your purpose. It is pity that you may not marry them all."
For the first time he found no answering jest in his favorite's eyes, and would have inquired why, but the philosopher who stood nearest, and had caught the whisper, smiled, and taking Sylvie's hand, led her to the foot of the throne, saying:—
"But I, your Majesty, may wed this lady with the King's consent, for she has given hers." Then a second philosopher led forth Natalie, and a third Amelie, and a fourth Virginie, and a fifth Sidonie, and a sixth Dorothée, and behold! the seven sisters were again kneeling before the throne awaiting the King's blessing, but with their lovers at their sides.
Then his Majesty leaned back his head and roared with laughter till the vaulted ceiling reëchoed, and tears of mirth ran down his cheeks and shone upon his beard, and all laughed with him, though they knew not why, all save My Lord Rector, whose face wore the saddest look a man may wear.
"Now, was this planned among you?" asked his Majesty.
Then they shook their heads, and each philosopher said:—
"Forsooth, I thought I was the only one," and with that the King roared again.