III.
As he was passing the door of the royal palace, he was laid hold of by a person in a mask who had alighted from a carriage. Philip turned round, and in a low whispering voice asked what the stranger wanted.
"My gracious lord," answered the mask, "in your reverie you have passed the door. Will your Royal Highness—"
"What? Royal Highness?" said Philip, laughing. "I am no highness. What put that in your head?"
The mask bowed respectfully, and pointed to the brilliant buckle in Philip's hat. "I ask your pardon if I have betrayed your disguise. But, in whatever character you asume, your noble bearing will betray you. Will you condescend to lead the way? Does your Highness intend to dance?"
"I? To dance?" replied Philip. No—you see I have boots on."
"To play, then?" inquired the mask.
"Still less. I have brought no money with me," said the assistant watchman.
"Good heaven!" exclaimed the mask. "Command my purse—all that I possess is at your service!" Saying this, he forced a full purse into Philip's hand.
