Again Charles jested on his supposed
jealousy of leaving the fair Queen Mab alone in such company, and on
his blunt answer, "I only feared the saucy child might be
troublesome, sir."
At which the King laughed the more, and even Emlyn smiled a little.
All was safely accomplished, and when Steadfast had brought Mrs. Lane
to the deep lane, they found the King and Emlyn standing by the
stile, and could hear the laughter of both as they approached.
"He can always thus while away his cares," said Jane Lane in quite a
motherly tone. "And well it is that he is of so joyous a nature."
Perhaps it was said as a kind of excuse for the levity of one in so
much danger chattering to the little woodland maid so mirthfully, and
like one on an equality. When they appeared, Charles bestowed a kiss
on Emlyn's lips, and shook hands cordially with Steadfast, lamenting
that he had no reward, nor even a token to leave with them.
Stead made his rustic bow, pinched his hat, and muttered, "It is
enough to--"
"Enough reward to have served your Majesty," said Emlyn, "he would
say.
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