King, like the other one, soon fell into deep thinkings concerning his vast

Affairs, and the same calamity resulted — the cookery got burned. The

Woman returned in time to save the breakfast from entire destruction; and

She promptly brought the king out of his dreams with a brisk and cordial

Tongue-lashing. Then, seeing how troubled he was over his violated trust, she

Softened at once and was all goodness and gentleness toward him.

The boy made a hearty and satisfying meal, and was greatly refreshed and

Gladdened by it. It was a meal which was distinguished by this curious feature,

That rank was waived on both sides; yet neither recipient of the favor was

Aware that it had been extended. The goodwife had intended to feed this

Young tramp with broken victuals in a corner, like any other tramp, or like a

Dog; but she was so remorseful for the scolding she had given him, that she

Did what she could to atone for it by allowing him to sit at the family table and

Eat with his betters, on ostensible terms of equality with them; and the king,

On his side, was so remorseful for having broken his trust, after the family had

Been so kind to him, that he forced himself to atone for it by humbling himself

To the family level, instead of requiring the woman and her children to stand

And wait upon him while he occupied their table in the solitary state due his