"Yes, I should suppose so, particularly if you were in a hurry," the
King laughed softly.

"Was that Señora Garibaldi that we came nearly running over?" he asked.

"Oh yes, it was, but please, Your Majesty, don't be angry with her.
You see, she really didn't know you were the King."

"Angry, why I should say not. Before I leave, yon must introduce me to
her, I couldn't leave without seeing such a really important person."

Lucia clapped her hands delightedly.

"Oh, she will be so proud!" she exclaimed.

The King turned to the officer who stood beside him and nodded, then he
shook Captain Riccardi's hand. "I congratulate you on the addition to
your household," he said, smiling. "Come with me, Lucia," he
continued, "I have something for you, and I want to give it to you
where all the soldiers can see."

Lucia followed in a dream. She stood very still at the end of the
ward, and watched the men salute as the King stood before them.

She did not hear what he said to them, for her head was swimming, but
she saw him turn to her, and her heart missed a beat as he pinned a
medal on her faded bodice.

"In appreciation of your courage and loyalty," the King said, and