The Experiment of Mr. Buck
now," he implored. "Have your joke another time. Oh, for Heaven's sake—"
"My Lord Provost of South Kensington," said King Auberon, steadily. "I do not follow your remarks which are uttered with a rapidity unusual at Court. Nor do your well-meant efforts to convey the rest with your fingers materially assist me. I say that my Lord Provost of North Kensington, to whom I spoke, ought not in the presence of his Sovereign to speak disrespectfully of his Sovereign's ordinances. Do you disagree?"
Barker turned restlessly in his chair, and Buck cursed without speaking. The King went on in a comfortable voice—
"My Lord Provost of Notting Hill, proceed."
Wayne turned his blue eyes on the King, and to every one's surprise there was a look in them not of triumph, but of a certain childish distress.
"I am sorry, your Majesty," he said; "I fear I was more than equally to blame with the Lord Provost of North Kensington. We were debating somewhat eagerly, and we both rose to our feet. I did so first, I am ashamed to say. The Provost of North Kensington is, therefore, comparatively innocent. I beseech your Majesty to address your rebuke chiefly, at least, to me. Mr. Buck is not innocent, for
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