Hereford," added
Richard. "But my lord Bishop must disgorge them; and from tomorrow you
and Mistress Dale are to return to them and live in peace and loyalty.
And if ever I need your harp at Court, stand ready to attend me, and
bring also the lady. Speaking of ladies," he continued, turning to Robin
Hood, who had stood silent, wondering if a special punishment was
being reserved for him, "did you not have a sweetheart who was once at
Court--one, Mistress Marian? What has become of her, that you should
have forgotten her?"

"Nay, Your Majesty," said the black-eyed page coming forward blushingly;
"Robin has not forgotten me!"

"So!" said the King, bending to kiss her small hand in all gallantry.
"Verily, as I have already thought within myself, this Master Hood is
better served than the King in his palace! But are you not the only
child of the late Earl of Huntingdon?"

"I am, sire, though there be some who say that Robin Hood's father
was formerly the rightful Earl of Huntingdon. Nathless, neither he is
advantaged nor I, for the estates are confiscate."

"Then they shall be restored forthwith!" cried the King; "and lest you
two should revive the ancient quarrel over them, I bestow them upon you
jointly. Come forward, Robin Hood."

Robin came and knelt before his king. Richard drew his sword and touched
him upon the shoulder.

"Rise, Robin Fitzooth, Earl of Huntingdon!" he exclaimed, while a mighty
cheer arose from the band and rent the air of the forest. "The first
command I give you, my lord Earl," continued the King when quiet was
restored, "is to marry Mistress Marian without delay."

"May I obey all Your Majesty's commands as willingly!" cried the new
Earl of Huntingdon, drawing the old Earl's daughter close to him. "The
ceremony shall take place to-morrow, an this maid is willing."

"She makes little protest," said the King; "so I shall e'en give away
the bride myself!"

Then the King chatted with others of the foresters, and made himself as
one of them for the evening, rejoicing that he could have this careless
freedom of the woods. And Much, the miller's son, and Arthur-a-Bland,
and Middle, and Stutely and Scarlet and Little John and others played
at the quarter-staff, giving and getting many lusty blows. Then as
the shades of night drew on, the whole company--knights and
foresters--supped and drank around a blazing fire, while Allen sang
sweetly to the thrumming of the harp, and the others joined in th