I am to take the documents to the king's closet at nine o'clock, and am to enter by way of the privy stairs from the river." "Yes, yes, I know," I answered, and then I told her briefly of the king's orders.
"You to bring me the papers!" she exclaimed, laughing softly.
"Yes," I answered.

"It completes the jest, if it prove to be one.

But tell me, what do you propose to do when you go to the king's closet ?" "You see it was this way," she began, sitting down and smoothing out her skirts; "I so arranged it that I met his Majesty soon after I saw you pass with your hat in your hand.

He was ready enough to take me for a walk in the garden, and when he fell under the influence of the sun and the flowers, he began, as usual, to protest his love.

I gave him full rein,--full rein, Baron Ned,--and after he had talked and protested a great deal, I told him that he might prove his regard for me if he would.
He asked me in what manner, and said that he would do whatever I asked.
"'It is this, your Majesty,' I answered hesitatingly.