best, my Prince, that we wait here until I prove myself and make my rights secure to my domains?

I should be so much the better able then to — ”

The King interrupted him imperiously —

“Peace! What are thy paltry domains, thy trivial interests, contrasted with matters which concern the weal of a nation and the integrity of a throne?” Then, he added, in a gentle voice, as if he were sorry for his severity, “Obey, and have no fear; I will right thee, I will make thee whole — yes, more than whole. I shall remember, and requite.”

So saying, he took the pen, and set himself to work. Hendon contemplated him lovingly a while, then said to himself —