"HIS MAJESTY.--To call attention to the growing power and lawlessness of the beggars within the Liberties of St. Lazarus, and to lay certain considerations before the Council for the necessity of immediate steps being taken in regard thereto."
The Chancellor wrote as he was told, placed the order in his portfolio without a word, and then stood up waiting to be dismissed. Kophetua looked at his snarling face for a moment, as though to detect what was passing there, and then, turning on his heel with a shrug, waved dismissal to his Minister. Turbo went straight to the door in silence, but before he reached it the King's voice stopped him.
"Turbo!" said he frankly, "stay! What ridiculous farce is this we are playing?"
It was always an understood signal between them, that when the King called the Chancellor by his name they were to be on their old footing of governor and pupil. It was no longer a monarch who spoke to his Minister, but two old friends who chatted together. So Turbo limped back and sat down carelessly by the hearth.
"I really cannot tell," he answered coolly; "I was taking my cue from you."
"Let us understand one another," said Kophetua. "Do you mean to allow a silly freak, in which we were both engaged, to sever our lifelong friendship?"
"That depends upon what you intend to do?"
"Do you intend to give me back the girl you stole from me?"
"Certainly not," replied the King, with great decision.
"Then," said the Chancellor calmly, as he rose from his seat, "I am afraid the silly freak will have the effect you were contemplating."
"Sit down, Turbo. This is absurd. What can you want with the child?"
"It is impossible. I have passed my word to protect her; and, besides, I do not believe you want her."
"I am in love with her," said Turbo, as coldly as though he were made of stone.
"My dear Turbo," answered the King, "pray be serious while we discuss this matter."
"But don't you see it is impossible for me to believe you after all you have taught me of your philosophy of women!"
"It is because you have not learned your lesson that you cannot believe I may love. You have not understood what I taught you. You can chatter the words finely enough, but you have never conceived the spirit."