It was easy to guess the cause of this strange variety of feeling.

The gay young reveller was now king.

There were some there who had made no secret of their disapproval of his wild courses as a prince.

How would he regard them now the crown was on his head?
Others there were who had borne him company in his excesses, drinking from the same bowl, and sharing in all the lawlessness of his lawless youth.

Was not the time for their advancement come, now that the fountain of honour was in the person of their own boon companion and comrade?
Amid waving and acclamation, the young king stepped into the presence chamber to receive the homage of his subjects.
In general appearance he was not much changed from the tall, handsome youth who, a few years ago, had openly defied the law and insulted its dignity; but the more serious expression of his face, and the more sedate pose of his lips, betokened an inward change of no small importance.