r if he had refused, and it is so cruel and hard that he
should have been sent away. Pray--pray ask the King to forgive him
now."

"Humph! You are a very plain-spoken young gentleman," said the Prince
sternly. "You draw your sword to protect your mother, and now I suppose
if your father is not pardoned you will turn rebel and draw it again to
protect him."

"Your Royal Highness has no right to think such a thing of me," said the
boy, flushing warmly. "I was taught that I was to do my duty here."

"And very good teaching too, sir; but boys are very ready to forget what
they are taught; and princes and kings have a right to think and say
what they please."

"I beg your Royal Highness's pardon. You said you wanted faithful
servants, and a truer and better man than my father never lived."

"Here, how old are you, young fellow?"

"Seventeen, your Highness."

"And you are arguing like a man of seven-and-forty. Well, it is a fine
thing for a boy to be able to speak like that of his father, and I will
not quarrel with you for being so plain. But look here, my boy: I am
not the King."

"But your Royal Highness will be some day," said Frank excitedly, for he
had the wild belief that he was going to carry the day.

"Humph! Perhaps, boy; but that is a bad argument to use. There, I will
be plain with you. It does not rest with me to pardon your father."

"But his Majesty--" began the boy excitedly.

"I cannot ask his Majesty, boy," said the Prince sternly. "I am very
angry to find that one of my attendants was mixed up with last night's
troubles; but, as I told you, at the intercession of the Princess, I am
disposed to look over it, if you promise me that in future you will be
more careful, and do your duty as my servant should."

"I will, your Highness.--But my poor father?"

"Must wait until his Majesty is disposed to pardon his offence. Go."

The Prince waved his hand toward the door, and then for a moment or two
he looked startled, for in a quick, impulsive way the boy darted forward
and caught the raised hand.

The sudden movement startled the Princess too, and she sprang from her
chair; but the look of alarm passed from her eyes as she saw the boy
bending down to kiss the Prince's hand, and as he let it fall she held
out her own.

Frank saw the movement, and the next instant he was down on one knee,
kissing it, and rose to give the Princess a smile full of gratitude.

At that moment he felt his