170 PRINCE RICARDO.

 

‘Thank you, prince,” said Ricardo, “for
the weapon, which I shall learn to wield ;. and.
I entreat you to honour me by receiving this
fairy gift— which you do not need—a ring
which makes all men faithful to the wearer.’

The Prince of Wales bowed, and placed the
talisman on his finger.

Ricardo then, after a few words of courtesy
on both parts, picked up his useless carpet,
took his farewell of the royal party, and,. with
Jaqueline still hidden under his collar, returned
at full speed, but with a heavy heart, to Pantou-
flia, where the palace gong was just sounding
for luncheon.

Ricardo never interfered in foreign affairs
again, but his ring proved very useful to Prince
Charles, as you may have read in history.