Page:The Prisoner of Zenda.djvu/49

Rh the firmness (or obstinacy) which was to be gathered from my close-shutting lips. But for all that, and above all minor distinctions, the likeness rose striking, salient, wonderful.

Sapt ceased speaking, and the king still frowned. 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 favor."

"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 traveling to?"