178 PRINCE RICARDO.

I don’t know how Dick was able to observe it
from any distance. I see your hand in that, my
dear, and-I am glad you can make such kind
and wise use of the lessons of the good Fairy
Paribanou. Jaqueline,” he added solemnly,
laying his hand on her head, ‘‘ you have saved
the honour of Pantouflia, which is dearer to.
me than life. Without your help, I tremble
to think what might have occurred.”

The princess blushed very much, and felt very
happy.

“‘ Now run away to the queen, my dear,” said
his Majesty, ‘‘ I want to think things over.”

He did think them over, and the more he
thought the more he felt the inconvenience.
attending the possession of fairy things.

“An eclipse one day, as nearly as possible a
revolution soon after!” he said to himself. “But
for Jaqueline, Ricardo’s conduct would have
been blazed abroad, England would have been
irritated. It is true she cannot get at Pantouflia
very easily; we have no sea-coast, and we are
surrounded by friendly countries. But it would
have been a ticklish and discreditable position.
I must really speak to Dick,” which he did next
morning after breakfast.

“You have broken my rules, Ricardo,” he
said. ‘ True, there is no great harm done, and
you have confessed frankly; but how am I to
trust you any longer?”

“T’ll give you my sacred word of honour,