themselves on his approach, as jackals fall back before the
coming of the lion. The last to go, and with signs of obvious
reluctance, was his Grace of Richmond, a delicately-built,
uncomely, but very glittering gentleman.

Charles faced her across the table, the tall house of cards
standing between them.

Miss invited his Majesty's admiration for my Lord of Buckingham's
architecture. Pouf! His Majesty blew, and the edifice rustled
down to a mere heap of cards again.

"Symbol of kingly power," said Miss, pertly. "You demolish better
than you build, sire."

"Oddsfish! If you challenge me, it were easy to prove you wrong,"
quoth he.

"Pray do. The cards are here."

"Cards! Pooh! Card castles are well enough for Buckingham. But
such is not the castle I'll build you if you command me."

"I command the King's Majesty? Mon Dieu! But it would be treason
surely."

"Not greater treason than to have enslaved me." His fine eyes
were oddly ardent. "Shall I build you this castle, child?"

Miss looked at him, and looked away. Her eyelids fluttered