possession, and reduced the annual payment of his tenants by one
half until times should mend."

"A noble example!" the queen said warmly. "I would that we could
afford to do the same through all the royal domains. It is a
pleasure to us to know that one at least of our fiefs has been so
worthily bestowed. Well, sir, I shall see you at the court this
evening."

Hector bowed and withdrew. His first step was to go to the clothing
establishment most frequented by men of good family. "I have to
attend at the court this evening. I have just returned from the
army, and have but the clothes that I stand up in. Have you any
garments that will fit me suitable for such an occasion?"

"Of shoulder cloaks I have great store in silks, satins, and velvets
of all shades and colours. There is no difficulty about doublets,
for of these I always keep a large stock in hand; and although you
are a bigger man than the majority of my customers, I think that
I can suit you. Tight pantaloons are chiefly worn by those who
affect the latest fashion, but it would be impossible for me to
make these at such short notice. As you are a military man this
matters little, for these chiefly affect loose breeches trimmed
at the bottom with rich lace, stockings of silk, and shoes with
rosettes. Such breeches I could promise you in three hours, for
they require but little making. The stockings of all shades I have
in stock, also shoes. These would need but rosettes of the colour
to suit the dress, to be added to them."

"I put myself in your hands," Hector said. "I wish for a handsome