Well, those who serve me must be very discreet and very shrewd.

Plainly, you have not been so in this instance.

You are a very young man; and I do not wish to be severe.

But you must remember, Mr.Mallock, that such a thing as this must not happen any more." My mouth was gone suddenly dry at this attack of His Majesty upon me.

I licked my lips with my tongue in readiness to answer; but before I could speak, the King went on again.
"Now I had a little business to entrust to you; but I am not sure if it be not best to give it to another hand." He took up from the table before him a newly sealed little packet that I had not noticed before; and sat weighing it in his hand, as if considering, while his eyes searched my face.
"Sir--" I began.
"Yes, Mr.Mallock, I know what you would say.