PRINCE RICARDO. 179

father, that I’ll never meddle with politics
again, or start on an expedition, without telling
you. I have had enough of it. And I'll turn
over a new leaf. I’ve learned to be ashamed
of my ignorance; and I’ve sent for Franca-
lanza, and I’ll fence every day, and read like
anything.”

““ Very good,” said the king. ‘‘I believe you
mean what you say. Now go to your fencing
lesson.”

“ But, I say, father,” cried Ricardo, “‘ was it
not strange about the magic carpet ?”’

‘IT told you not to trust to these things,” said
the king. ‘‘Some enchanter may have deprived
it of its power, it may be worn out, someone
may have substituted a common Persian rug ;
anything may happen. You must learn to
depend on yourself. Now, be off with you, I’m
busy. And remember, you don’t stir without
my permission.”

The prince ran off, and presently the sounds
of stamping feet and ‘‘wn, deux ; doublez, dégagez,
vite ; contye de carte,’ and so forth, might be
heard over a great part of the royal establish-
ment.