When I looked at him he was motionless. He was still very pale, but the terrible brightness of his eyes was gone.
Then he roused himself to sneer; but I did not care for that; for there was no other way for him just then, consonant with his own dignity.
"Very admirably preached!" said he; "even if a trifle treasonous."
"I am pleased Your Majesty is satisfied," I said, with a little bow.
Then he broke down altogether, in the only way that he could; he gave a great spirt of laughter; then he leaned back and laughed till the tears ran down. Presently he was quieter.
"Oddsfish!" he cried, "this is a turning of tables indeed! I sent for you, Mr. Mallock—"
The door opened softly behind me; and a man put his head in.
"Go away! go away!" cried the King. "Cannot you see I am being preached to?"
The door closed again.
"I sent for you, Mr. Mallock, to reprimand you very severely. And instead of that it is you who have held the whip. Little Ken is nothing to it: you should have been a Bishop, Mr. Mallock."