elephants and horses, and trapeze performers, than the breast of the
King's black velvet coat with jeweled stars and ribbons. But even
then, there was not room for all his store, so he had hit upon the
ingenious expedient of covering a black silk umbrella with the
remainder. He held it in a stately manner over his head now, and it
presented a dazzling sight; for it was literally blazing with gems,
and glittering ribbons fluttered from it on all sides.

When the King saw Drusilla courtesying by the side of the road, he
drew rein so suddenly, that his horse reared back on its haunches, and
all his nobles, who always made it a point to do exactly as the King
did--it was court etiquette--also drew rein suddenly, and all their
horses reared back on their haunches.

"What will you, pretty maiden?" asked the King graciously.

"Please, your Majesty," said Drusilla courtesying and blushing and
looking prettier than ever, "have you seen my gold-horned cow?"

"Pardy," said the King, for that was the proper thing for a King to
say, you know, "I never saw a gold-horned cow in my life!"

Then Drusilla told him about her loss, and the King gazed at her while
she was talking, and admired her more and more.

You must know that it had always been a great cross to the King and
his wife, the Queen, that they had never had any daughter. They had
often thought of adopting one, but had never seen any one who exactly
suited them. They wanted a full-grown Princess, because they had an
alliance with the Prince of Egypt in view.