Then, gradually, the corners of his mouth began to twitch, his nose came down (as mine does when I laugh), his eyes twinkled, and, behold! he burst into the merriest fit of irrepressible laughter, which rang through the woods and proclaimed him a jovial soul.
"Well met, cousin!" he cried, stepping up to me, clapping me on the back, and laughing still.

"You must forgive me if I was taken aback.

A man doesn't expect to see double at this time of day, eh, Fritz ?" "I must pray pardon, sire, for my presumption," said I."I trust it will not forfeit your Majesty's favour." "By Heaven! you'll always enjoy the King's countenance," he laughed, "whether I like it or not; and, sir, I shall very gladly add to it what services I can.

Where are you travelling to ?" "To Strelsau, sire--to the coronation." The King looked at his friends: he still smiled, though his expression hinted some uneasiness.

But the humorous side of the matter caught him again.
"Fritz, Fritz!" he cried, "a thousand crowns for a sight of brother Michael's face when he sees a pair of us!" and the merry laugh rang out again.
"Seriously," observed Fritz von Tarlenheim, "I question Mr.Rassendyll's wisdom in visiting Strelsau just now." The King lit a cigarette.
"Well, Sapt ?" said he, questioningly.
"He mustn't go," growled the old fellow.
"Come, colonel, you mean that I should be in Mr.Rassendyll's debt, if--" "Oh, ay! wrap it up in the right way," said Sapt, hauling a great pipe out of his pocket.
"Enough, sire," said I."I'll leave Ruritania today." "No, by thunder, you shan't--and that's sans phrase, as Sapt likes it.
For you shall dine with me tonight, happen what will afterwards.