“Not so, my lord,” replied Tuck. “I wish only for peace in this life. Mine is a simple nature and I care not for the fripperies and follies of court life. Give me a good meal and a cup of right brew, health, and enough for the day, and I ask no more.” Richard sighed. “You ask the greatest thing in the world, brother--contentment. It is not mine to give or to deny. But ask your God for it, an if belike he grant it, then ask it also in behalf of your King.” He glanced around once more at the foresters. “Which one of you is Allan-a-Dale?” he asked; and Allan came forward. “So,” said the King with sober face, “you are that errant minstrel who stole a bride at Plympton, despite her would-be groom and attending Bishop. I heard something of this in former days. Now what excuse have you to make?” “Only that I loved her, sire, and she loved me,” said Allan, simply; “and the Norman lord would have married her perforce, because of her lands.” “Which have since been forfeited by the Bishop of Hereford,” added Richard. “But my lord Bishop must disgorge them; and from tomorrow you and Mistress Dale are to return to them and live in peace and loyalty. And if ever I need your harp at Court, stand ready to attend me, and bring also the lady. Speaking of ladies,” he continued, turning to Robin Hood, who had stood silent, wondering if a special punishment was being reserved for him, “did you not have a sweetheart who was once at Court--one, Mistress Marian? What has become of her, that you should have forgotten her?” “Nay, Your Majesty,” said the black-eyed page coming forward blushingly; “Robin has not forgotten me!” “So!” said the King, bending to kiss her small hand in all gallantry. “Verily, as I have already thought within myself, this Master Hood is better served than the King in his palace! But are you not the only child of the late Earl of Huntingdon?” “I am, sire, though there be some who say that Robin Hood’s father was formerly the rightful Earl of Huntingdon. Nathless, neither he is advantaged nor I, for the estates are confiscate.” “Then they shall be restored forthwith!” cried the King; “and lest you two should revive the ancient quarrel over them, I bestow them upon you jointly. Come forward, Robin Hood.” Robin came and knelt before his king. Richard drew his sword and touched him upon the shoulder. “Rise, Robin Fitzooth, Earl of Huntingdon!” he exclaimed, while a mighty cheer arose from the band and rent the air of the forest. “The first command I give you, my lord Earl,” continued the King when quiet was restored, “is to marry Mistress Marian without delay.” “May I obey all Your Majesty’s commands as willingly!” cried the new Earl of Huntingdon, drawing the old Earl’s daughter close to him. “The ceremony shall take place to-morrow, an this maid is willing.” “She makes little protest,” said the King; “so I shall e’en give away the bride myself!”