"This is all very well," he said. "But I think I must get in my reprimand, for all that. You will not be sent to the guard-room, or the Green Cloth--(or whatever it is that would meet your case)--this time, Mr. Mallock; I will deal with you myself. But it is a very serious business, and your distinctions would not serve you in law. A sundial is not so important as a Christian lady; and a bunch of raisins is not, legally, a blow in the face. Still less are all the sundials and Spaniards in the world, equal to one of Her Majesty's Maids of Honour. You understand that?" I bowed again; reminding myself that I was not done with him, even yet. "Yes, Sir." "Consider yourself reprimanded severely, Mr. Mallock." I bowed; but I stood still. "You have my leave--Oh! by the way, Mr. Mallock; there are just ten words I must have with you on the French affairs." He motioned to a seat. "I may kiss the hand that has beaten me?" said I. He laughed again. He was a very merry prince when he was in the mood. "It should be the other way about, I should think," he said. But he gave me his hand; and I sat down. * * * * * All the while we were talking, still, with one-half of my mind I was considering what was to be done next. It was a part, only, of my business that had been done; yet how to accomplish the rest without spoiling all? Presently His Majesty himself repeated that which Mr. Chiffinch had already said to me; and spoke of some kind of recognition that was due to me. That gave me my cue. "Your Majesty is exceedingly kind," I said. "But I trust I am not to be dismissed from the King's service? Mr. Chiffinch appeared to think--" "Why, no," said he; "not even after all your crimes. Besides we have something for you. Did he not tell you?" "Any public recognition, Sir," I said, "would effectually do so. The very small value that my services may have would wholly be lost, if they were known in any way." "Chiffinch said the same," observed the King meditatively. "But--" "Sir," I said, "might I not have some private recognition instead? There is a very particular favour I have in mind, which would be private altogether; and which I would take as a complete discharge of that which Your Majesty has been good enough to call a debt of the King's." "Not money, man! Surely!" exclaimed the King in alarm. "Not in the least, Sir; it will not cost the exchequer a farthing." "Well, you shall have it then. You may be sure of that." "Well, Sir," said I, "it is a serious matter. Your Majesty will dislike it exceedingly." He pursed his lips and looked at me sharply. "Wait!" he said. "It will not affect my honour or--or my religion in any way?" I assumed an air of slight offence.