Oh, that's all you will have to do. Just retire among the other
courtiers then, and leave the rest to me."

"That's a very short lesson, my little one; would you not like to be
introduced to Bladud too? He does not know you, you know."

"Certainly not; that would ruin all--you dear old goose. Just do
exactly what I tell you, and you will be sure to go right."

"How like your dear mother you are, my little one, in your modest
requirements!"

Having finished the lesson, the little old woman retired to a remote
part of the palace which, through Hafrydda's influence, had been
assigned to her, and the great northern chief, unbuckling his
sword-belt, called lustily for his mid-day meal.

Customs at that date, you see, were more free-and-easy than they are
now, and less ceremonious. The visitors at the palace of King Hudibras
were expected only to appear at the royal board at the evening meal
after all the business or pleasure of each day was over. At all other
times they were supposed to do as they pleased and shout for food as
they happened to require it.

It is perhaps unnecessary to comment on the exceeding convenience of
this custom, leaving, as it did, every one to follow the bent of
inclination, from earliest morn till dewy eve, with the prospect of an
enjoyable _reunion_ after dark--during which, of course, the adventures
of each were narrated, exaggerated, underrated, or commented on, as the
case might be, and the social enjoyments were enhanced by warlike and
sentimental song as well as by more or less--usually more than less--
thrilling story.

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX.

THE DENOUEMENT.

It was a sunny, frosty, glorious forenoon when King Hudibras awoke to
the consciousness of the important day that was before him, and the
importunate vacuum that was within him.

Springing out of bed with a right royal disregard of appearances he
summoned his servitor-in-waiting and ordered breakfast.

In the breakfast-room he met the queen, Hafrydda, Bladud, and Dromas--
the latter being now considered one of the family--and these five
proceeded to discuss and arrange the proceedings of the day during the
progress of the meal.

"You will join in the sports, of course, son Dromas," said the king,
"and show us how the Olympic victors carry themselves. Ha! I should
not wonder if a few of our lads will give you some trouble to beat
them."

"You may be right, father," returned the young man, modestly, "for one
of your