152° PRINCE FILDERKIN

not been one other object which even more
particularly attracted his attention. The
object was neither more nor less than an ivory
arm-chair, beautifully carved, and placed
upon a dais in front of the middle window
of the room, and in this chair, with his feet
upon a golden footstool, sat no less a person
than the King of the hump-backed mounte-
banks, gazing with a stern look upon the
lovely Amarylla, who stood trembling before
him.

‘What!’ cried the haughty monarch as
the Prince entered the room. ‘Is. it not
enough, poor deformed creature that thou
art, that thou disgracest me daily by thy
humplessness, but must thou also neglect
thy duties in my household and indulge in a
laziness which can only be excused in a well-
humped person? Why was there no pepper
on my mutton-chops at breakfast? Why
was the macaroni at lunch dressed with
carrot instead of tomato sauce? And why
wast thou not here to receive me on my
return from the procession drive, to warm
my slippers, sweeten my brandy-and-water,
and see that I was made comfortable for my
afternoon doze ?’