He continued walking back and forth, muttering to himself; he had forgotten

The king entirely. By and by his majesty said gravely, and with a touch of

Genuine compassion, though the words themselves were capable of being

interpreted ironically:

'Mind not thy mischance, good man; there be others in the world whose

identity is denied, and whose claims are derided. Thou hast company.'

'Ah, my king,' cried Hendon, coloring slightly, 'do not thou condemn me —

Wait, and thou shalt see. I am no impostor — she will say it; you shall hear it

from the sweetest lips in England. I an impostor? Why I know this old hall,

These pictures of my ancestors, and all these things that are about us, as a

Child knoweth its own nursery. Here was I born and bred, my lord; I speak

The truth; I would not deceive thee; and should none else believe, I pray thee

do not thou doubt me — I could not bear it.'

'I do not doubt thee,' said the king, with a childlike simplicity and faith.

'I thank thee out of my heart!' exclaimed Hendon, with a fervency which

showed that he was touched. The king added, with the same gentle simplicity:

'Dost thou doubt me?'

A guilty confusion seized upon Hendon, and he was grateful that the door

Opened to admit Hugh, at that moment, and saved him the necessity of

Replying.

A beautiful lady, richly clothed, followed Hugh, and after her came several