TWILIGHT LAND

While the king was saying these words to Beppo,
Beppo was looking fixedly at the prime-minister. While
he did so he shook his head three times. Then he bowed
low and walked away.

He had not gone twenty paces before some one tapped
him upon the arm; it was the prime-minister. Beppo
gazed fixedly at him. ‘ Alas, my poor friend!” said he.

The prime-minister turned pale. “It was, then, as I
thought,” said he. ‘The king spoke about me. Will
you not tell me what he said?”

Beppo shook his head. “Alas, my poor friend!” said
he, and then he walked on.

The prime-minister still followed him.

“My lord,” said he, “I have been aware that his
majesty has not been the same to me for more than a week
past. Ifit was about the princess, pray tell his majesty
that I meant nothing ill when I spoke of her to him.”

Beppo shook his head. “Alas, my poor friend!” he said.

The prime-minister’s lips trembled. ‘ My lord,” said
he, “I have always had the kindest regard for you, and if
there is anything in my power that I can do for you I
hope you will command me. I know how much you are
in his majesty’s confidence. Will you not speak a few
words to set the matter straight ?”

Beppo again shook his head. “Alas, my poor friend !”
said he, and then he got upon his horse and rode away.

Three days passed.

‘This morning,” said the princess, “when you go to
the king, look at the prime-minister when the king speaks
to you, and smile. The prime-minister will again speak
to you, and this time say, ‘It is well, and I wish you joy.’
Take what he gives you, for it will be of use.”

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