"My lords Craven and Ashley dead!" exclaimed the queen, in tones
of some surprise, but very little anguish; "that is singular, for
we saw them not two hours ago, in excellent health and spirits."
"True, poor majesty," said the duke, dolefully, "and it is not an
hour since they quitted this vale of tears. They and myself rode
forth at nightfall, according to Custom, to lay your majesty's
tax on all travelers, and soon chanced to encounter one who gave
vigorous battle; still, it would have done him little service,
had not another person come suddenly to his aid, and between them
they clove the skulls of Ashley and Craven; and I," said the
duke, modestly, "I left."
"Were either of the travelers young, and tall, and of courtly
bearing?" exclaimed the dwarf with sharp rudeness.
"Both were, your highness," replied the duke, bowing to the small
speaker, "and uncommonly handy with their weapons."
"I saw one of them down at the Golden Crown, not long ago," said
the dwarf; "a forward young popinjay, and mighty inquisitive
about this, our royal palace. I promised him, if he came here, a
warm reception - a promise I will have the greatest pleasure in
fulfilling"
"You may stand aside, my lord duke," said the queen, with a
graceful wave of her hand, "and if any new subjects have been
added to our court since our last weekly meeting, let them come
forward, and be sworn.
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