“Well, first of all, you must tell the king tomorrow, at the right time, that I have just come back, and am very tired and shall not appear till you take me to him while the other people are being presented. Then you will lead me forward and announce me with a loud voice, so that no one shall fail to hear that I am Branwen, your daughter, you understand? Now, mind you speak well out.”
“I understand—with a shout, something like my battle-cry!”
“Not exactly so loud as that, but so as Bladud shall be sure to hear you; and he will probably be near to his father at the time.”
“Just so. What next?”
“Oh, that’s all you will have to do. Just retire among the other courtiers then, and leave the rest to me.”
“That’s a very short lesson, my little one; would you not like to be introduced to Bladud too? He does not know you, you know.”
“Certainly not; that would ruin all—you dear old goose. Just do exactly what I tell you, and you will be sure to go right.”
“How like your dear mother you are, my little one, in your modest requirements!”
Having finished the lesson, the little old woman retired to a remote part of the palace which, through Hafrydda’s influence, had been assigned to her, and the great northern chief, unbuckling his sword-belt, called lustily for his mid-day meal.
Customs at that date, you see, were more free-and-easy than they are now, and less ceremonious. The visitors at the palace of King Hudibras were expected only to appear at the royal board at the evening meal after all the business or pleasure of each day was over. At all other times they were supposed to do as they pleased and shout for food as they happened to require it.