The herald announced that the Provost of that city desired audience of the King.
"From North Kensington ?" said the King, rising graciously.

"What news does he bring from that land of high hills and fair women?
He is welcome." The herald advanced into the room, and was immediately followed by twelve guards clad in purple, who were followed by an attendant bearing the banner of the Eagle, who was followed by another attendant bearing the keys of the city upon a cushion, who was followed by Mr.
Buck in a great hurry.

When the King saw his strong animal face and steady eyes, he knew that he was in the presence of a great man of business, and consciously braced himself.
"Well, well," he said, cheerily coming down two or three steps from a dais, and striking his hands lightly together, "I am glad to see you.
Never mind, never mind.

Ceremony is not everything." "I don't understand your Majesty," said the Provost, stolidly.
"Never mind, never mind," said the King, gaily.

"A knowledge of Courts is by no means an unmixed merit; you will do it next time, no doubt." The man of business looked at him sulkily from under his black brows and said again without show of civility-- "I don't follow you." "Well, well," replied the King, good-naturedly, "if you ask me I don't mind telling you, not because I myself attach any importance to these forms in comparison with the Honest Heart.