Yes--I judge a week of starvation will do for him.' 'If I may be allowed a word,' interposed the queen,--'and I think I ought to have some voice in the matter--' 'The wretch is entirely at your disposal, my spouse,' interrupted the king.

'He is your property.

You caught him yourself.

We should never have done it.' The queen laughed.

She seemed in far better humour than the night before.
'I was about to say,' she resumed, 'that it does seem a pity to waste so much fresh meat.' 'What are you thinking of, my love ?' said the king.