For example, on whom else do you think of waiting when you are set up in London ?" He looked steadily at me, a slight frown on his brow, yet a smile, and not an unkind one, on his lips.

I grew hot, and knew that I grew red also.
"I am acquainted with few in London, my lord," I stammered, "and with those not well." "Those not well, indeed," he echoed, the pucker deepening and the smile vanishing.

Yet the smile came again as he rose and clapped me on the shoulder.
"You're an honest lad, Simon," he said, "even though it may have pleased God to make you a silly one.

And, by Heaven, who would have all lads wise?
Go to London, learn to know more folk, learn to know better those whom you know.

Bear yourself as a gentleman, and remember, Simon, whatsoever else the King may be, yet he is the King." Saying this with much emphasis, he led me gently to the door.
"Why did he say that about the King ?" I pondered as I walked homeward through the park; for although what we all, even in the country, knew of the King gave warrant enough for the words, my lord had seemed to speak them to me with some special meaning, and as though they concerned me more than most men.