172 PRINCE RICARDO.

herself, and at last she went up and knocked at
Ricardo’s door.

“Go away,” he said; ‘I don’t want to see
anybody. Who is it?”

*‘Tt’s only me—Jaqueline.”

“Go away! I want nobody.”

“ Do let me in, dear Dick; I have good news
for you,” said the princess.

“What is it?” said Ricardo, unlocking the
door. ‘‘ Why do you bother a fellow so?”

He had been crying—his hand obviously hurt
him badly; he looked, and indeed he was, very
sulky.

“ How did you get on in England, Dick?’
asked the princess, taking no notice of his
bandaged hand.

“Oh, don’t ask me!” said Ricardo. ‘I’ve
not been to England at all.”

‘* Why, what happened ?”

‘“‘ Everything that is horrid happened,’’ said
Dick; and then, unable to keep it any longer to
himself, he said: ‘‘I’ve failed to keep my
promise; I’ve been insulted, I’ve been beaten
by a fellow younger than myself; and, oh! how
my hand does hurt, and I’ve got such a head-
ache! And what am I to say to my mother
when she asks why my arm is ina sling? and
what will my father say? I’m quite broken
down and desperate. I think I’ll run away to .
sea;” and indeed he looked very wild and
miserable.