"Hush!" exclaimed the other. "You will betray me."
"No fear of Will Jones, my liege," rejoined March. "A dolt, but trusty. Your majesty may take him into your confidence."
"He knows who I am, then?" said Careless.
"He does, my liege. I made the revelation to him under a solemn pledge of secrecy. I hope I have not done wrong."
"If a mistake has been made, 'tis too late now to remedy it," said Careless.
"No harm has been done, I can assure your majesty. I'll answer for the young man. Will Jones!" he cried, authoritatively, "dost not perceive that thou art wanted?"
But the obstinate groom refused to move.
"Let him finish his breakfast, and then send him after me to the stables," said Careless, quitting the buttery.
"Is this thy respect for the king, sirrah?" cried March, rushing to the table, and snatching away the plate which the supposed Will Jones had just filled. "Not another mouthful shalt thou eat. After his majesty at once, and crave pardon for thy ill manners."