“Like you, sir, I serve the King.”
“Too much trumpet in it! Softly, more softly, and it will do.”
“Good Cavendish, to-morrow he has to play the hero, and heroes speak like clarions! We shall put it about the King has dreamed a most marvellous dream and come to his kingliness thereby. Now for the toilet.”
Cavendish turned to and served as barber, robeman, and player. He knew all the tricks of the King’s person, how he looked, spoke, wore his clothes, carried his head, and sat in a chair. He prompted Fulk all the time he was busy with him, acting the tricks and mannerisms himself, and making Fulk act them after him.
The result delighted Knollys.
“Thunder! you have quick wits and a sharp eye. The King’s rings—you must wear the rings.”
The business was nearly ended when they heard footsteps without and the sound of voices. Someone knocked, and Knollys went to the door.
“Who’s there?”
“All’s well, Knollys.”
“Tarry one moment.”