You have done great things for me; it is not fitting that you should refuse to receive something at my hands.
This day I sit a King upon my father's throne.

Ask of me some gift and grace for yourself--I your King and your friend demand it of you!" It was spoken in a right kingly and gracious fashion, and we all held our breath to listen for the answer the Maid should give.

We had known her so long and so well, and we had learned how little she desired for herself, how hard it was to induce her to express any wish for her own gratification.

She was gentle and gracious in her acceptance of the gifts received from friends who had furnished her from the beginning with such things as were needful for her altered life; but she had ever retained her simplicity of thought and habit; and though often living in the midst of luxury and extravagance, she was never touched by those vices herself.

And now she was bidden to ask a boon; and she must needs do it, or the displeasure of the King would light upon her.
He had raised her to her feet by this time, and she stood before him, a slim boy-like figure in her white point-device dress, her cheeks a little flushed, her slender fingers tightly entwined, the breath coming and going through her parted lips.
"Gentle King," she answered, and her low full voice thrilled through the hall to its farthermost end in the deep hush which had fallen upon it, "there is one grace and gift that I would right gladly ask of you.