I would fain, if I may say it without disrespect, hear all that you can tell me.' 'Then I fear,' he answered quickly, 'if you would have more light on the matter, my friend, you must get another candle.' I started, he spoke so abruptly; but perceiving that the candle had indeed burned down to the socket, I rose, with many apologies, and fetched another from the cupboard.

It did not occur to me at the moment, though it did later, that the king had purposely sought this opportunity of consulting with his companion.

I merely remarked, when I returned to my place on the bed, that they were sitting a little nearer one another, and that the king eyed me before he spoke--though he still swung one foot carelessly in the air with close attention.
'I speak to you, of course, sir,' he presently went on, 'in confidence, believing you to be an honourable as well as a brave man.

That which I wish you to do is briefly, and in a word, to carry off a lady.

Nay,' he added quickly, with a laughing grimace, 'have no fear! She is no sweetheart of mine, nor should I go to my grave friend here did I need assistance of that kind.