I hope our friendship will not cease, but I must tell you flatly that I desire to hear no more of this.

You will oblige me by not mentioning it again, Your Majesty." The King begged Cleggett's pardon with a becoming sincerity, and was about to withdraw.

Cleggett, who liked him immensely, was sudden smitten with a regret that it had been so impossible to oblige him.
"Your Majesty," he cried impulsively, "I BEG of you not to get the idea that there is anything personal in this refusal." "I respect principle," said the King gravely.

But he WAS hurt and could not help showing it, and he was a little stiff.
"We will compromise," said Cleggett, with a flash of inspiration.
"I will let you have my second son, Athos Cleggett.

You may make him Earl of Claiborne, if you choose.