The noble and youthful countenance of this king of twenty-seven
years was grave and stern, but from his large blue eyes the kindness
and gentleness of his excellent heart was beaming, and his handsome
and good-natured features breathed a wonderful spirit of serenity
and sympathy.

He crossed the room with rapid and noiseless steps, and, politely
bowing to the mistress of ceremonies, approached the opposite door.
But the mistress of ceremonies, evidently anxious to prevent him
from opening that door, placed herself in front of it and gravely
said to him:

"Your majesty, it is impossible. I cannot permit etiquette to be
violated in this manner, and I must beg your majesty to inform me
most graciously of what you are going to do in these rooms?"

"Well," said the king, with a pleasant smile, "I am going to do to-
day what I am in the habit of doing every day at this hour--I am
going to pay a visit to my wife."

"To your WIFE!" exclaimed the mistress of ceremonies, in dismay.
"But, your majesty, a king has no WIFE!"

"Ah! in that case a king would be a very wretched being," said the
king, smiling, "and, for my part, I would sooner give up my crown
than my beloved wife."

"Good Heaven, your majesty, you may certainly have a wife, but let
me implore you not to apply that vulgar name to her majesty in the
presence of other people. It is contrary to etiquette and injurious