ribbon with a star. Ah! how
changed was King James from the handsome Prince who had loved fair
Beatrix Esmond, thirty years ago! Near him were two boys, not quite so
old as Prince Ricardo. The younger was a pretty dark boy, with a funny
little roundabout white wig. He was splendidly dressed in a light-blue
silk coat; a delicate little lace scarf was tied round his neck; he had
lace ruffles falling about his little ringed hands; he had a pretty
sword, with a gold handle set with diamonds--in fact, he was the picture
of a little dandy. The other lad had a broad Scotch bonnet on, and no
wig; beautiful silky yellow locks fell about his shoulders. He had laid
his sword on the grass. He was dressed in tartan, which Ricardo had
never seen before; and he wore a kilt, which was also new to Ricardo, who
wondered at his bare legs--for he was wearing shoes with no stockings. In
his hand he held a curious club, with a long, slim handle, and a head
made heavy with lead, and defended with horn. With this he was aiming at
a little white ball; and suddenly he swung up the club and sent the ball
out of sight in the air, over several trees.

Prince Ricardo stepped up to this boy, took off his cap, and said:

"I think I have the honour of addressing the Prince of Wales?"

Prince Charles started at the sight of a gentleman in long riding-boots,
girt with a broadsword, which was not then generally worn, and carrying a
Persian rug under his arm.

"That is what I am called, sir," he said, "by those who give me the title
which is mine by right. May I inquire the reason which offers me the
pleasure of this unexpected interview?"

"Oh, I'm Ricardo of Pantouflia!" says Dick. "I had a letter from you
this morning, and I believe you wanted to see me."

"From Pantouflia, sir," said Prince Charles; "why, that is hundreds of
leagues away!"

"It is a good distance," said Dick; "but a mere step when you wear Seven-
league Boots like mine."

"My dear prince," said Charles, throwing himself into his arms with
rapture, and kissing him in the Italian fashion, which Dick did not half
like, "you are, indeed, worthy of your reputation; and these are the
celebrated Seven-league Boots? Harry," he cried to his brother, "come
here at once and let me present you to his Royal Highness, our
illustrious ally, Prince Ricardo of Pantouflia. The Duke of York--Prince
Ricardo of Pantouflia. Gentlemen, know each other!"

The prince bowed in the most s