Then , of course , the ambassador became quite certain that his daughter was admired by the crown prince , who was on bad terms with the king of the country ; and a more uncomfortable position for an ambassador -- however , they are used to them . `` What on earth am I to do with the young man ? '' he thought . `` He ca n't stay here for ever ; and without his carpet he ca n't get away , for the soldiers have orders to seize him as soon as he appears in the street . And in the meantime Benson will be pretending that he killed the Firedrake -- for he must have got to Falkenstein by now , -- and they will be for marrying him to the king 's niece , and making my butler crown prince to the kingdom of Pantouflia ! It is dreadful ! '' Now all this time the prince was on the balcony , telling Lady Rosalind all about how he got the Firedrake done for , in the most modest way ; for , as he said : '' I did n't kill him : and it is really the Remora , poor fellow , who should marry Molly ; but he 's dead . '' At this very moment there was a whizz in the air : something shot past them , and , through the open window , the king , the queen , Benson , and the mortal remains of the Firedrake were shot into the ambassador 's drawing - room ! -LCB- The King and Queen on the carpet : p95.jpg -RCB- CHAPTER XIV . The King Explains . The first who recovered his voice and presence of mind was Benson . `` Did your lordship ring for coffee ? '' he asked , quietly ; and when he was told `` Yes , '' he bowed and withdrew , with majestic composure . When he had gone , the prince threw himself at the king 's feet , crying : `` Pardon , pardon , my liege ! '' `` Do n't speak to me , sir ! '' answered the king , very angrily ; and the poor prince threw himself at the feet of the queen . But she took no notice of him whatever , no more than if he had been a fairy ; and the prince heard her murmur , as she pinched her royal arms : `` I shall waken presently ; this is nothing out of the way for a dream . Dr. Rumpfino ascribes it to imperfect nutrition . '' All this time , the Lady Rosalind , as pale as a marble statue , was leaning against the side of the open window . The prince thought he could do nothing wiser than go and comfort her , so he induced her to sit down on a chair in the balcony , -- for he felt that he was not wanted in the drawing - room ; -- and soon they were talking happily about the stars , which had begun to appear in the summer night .
Meanwhile , the ambassador had induced the king XXXXX take a seat ; but there was no use in talking to the queen .
about at by for in of than through to without