He paid no attention. His eyes were on the fair lady before him. A cry from the oldest boy rang out clear and sharp in the silence.
"Mother!"
The King held out his arms.
"My darling!" he cried. "At last! At last!"
"Beloved!" she cried, and rushed into his arms, and buried her face in his shoulder.
The children clung to her, weeping, and with one arm she pressed them close against her side.
The multitude found its voice again.
"Long live Queen Miranda! Long live Queen Miranda!"