160 PRINCE RICCARDO.

 

 

splendidly dressed in a light-blue silk coat; a
delicate little lace scarf was tied round his neck;
he had lace ruffles falling about his little ringed
hands; he had a pretty sword, with a gold
handle set with diamonds—in fact, he was the
picture of a little dandy. The other lad hada
broad Scotch bonnet on, and no wig; beautiful
silky yellow locks fell about his shoulders. He
had laid his sword on the grass. He was
dressed in tartan, which Ricardo had never
seen before; and he wore a kilt, which was also
new to Ricardo, who wondered at his bare legs—
for he was wearing shoes with no stockings.
In his hand he held a curious club, with a long,
slim handle, and a head made heavy with lead,
and defended with horn. With this he was
aiming at a little white ball; and suddenly he
swung up the club and sent the ball out of
sight in the air, over several trees.

Prince Ricardo stepped up to this boy, took
off his cap, and said:

‘J think I have the honour of addressing
the Prince of Wales?”

Prince Charles started at the sight of a
gentleman in long riding-boots, girt with a
broadsword, which was not then generally
worn, and carrying a Persian rug under his
arm.

“That is what I am called, sir,” he said,
“‘by those who give me the title which is
mine by right. May I inquire the reason