“Women are always women.” said the King gaily; “And you, Montala, if you cannot find a pretty one, will put up with an ugly one for the moment rather than have none at all! But beauty exists everywhere, and I daresay we shall find it in as good evidence here as in other parts of the kingdom. Our land is famous for its lovely women,”--and turning to Sir Walter Langton he added--“I think, Sir Walter, we can almost beat your England in that one particular!” “Some years ago, Sir, I should have accepted that challenge,” returned Sir Walter, “And with the deepest respect for your Majesty, I should have ventured to deny the assertion that any country in the world could surpass England for the beauty of its women. But since the rage for masculine sports and masculine manners has taken hold of English girls, I am not at all disposed to defend them. They have, unhappily, lost all the soft grace and modesty for which their grandmothers were renowned, and one begins to remark that their very shapes are no longer feminine. The beautiful full bosoms, admired by Gainsborough and Romney, are replaced by an unbecoming flatness--the feet and hands are growing large and awkward, instead of being well-shaped, white and delicate--the skin is becoming coarse and rough of texture, and there is very little complexion to boast of, if we except the artificial make-up of the women of the town. Some few pretty and natural women remain in the heart of the forest and the country, but the contamination is spreading, and English women are no longer the models of womanhood for all the world.” “Are you married, Sir Walter?” asked the King with a smile. “To no woman, Sir! I have married England--I love her and work for her only!” “You find that love sufficient to fill your heart?” “Perhaps,” returned Sir Walter musingly--“perhaps if I speak personally and selfishly--no! But when I argue the point logically, I find this--that if I had a wife she might probably occupy too much of my time,--certes, if I had children, I should be working for them and their future welfare;--as it is, I give all my life and all my work to my country, and my King!” “I hope you will meet with the reward you merit,” said the Queen gently; “Kings are not always well served!” “I seek no reward,” said Sir Walter simply; “The joy of work is always its own guerdon.”