Of course he knew nothing about her being there . Then he started off in his Seven - league Boots , and before you could say `` Jack Robinson '' he was in Rome , in the grounds of a splendid palace called the Villa Borghese . There he saw an elderly gentleman , in a great curled wig , sound asleep on a seat beneath a tree . The old gentleman had a long , pale , melancholy face , and across his breast was a broad blue ribbon with a star . Ah ! how changed was King James from the handsome Prince who had loved fair Beatrix Esmond , thirty years ago ! Near him were two boys , not quite so old as Prince Ricardo . The younger was a pretty dark boy , with a funny little roundabout white wig . He was splendidly dressed in a light-blue silk coat ; a delicate little lace scarf was tied round his neck ; he had lace ruffles falling about his little ringed hands ; he had a pretty sword , with a gold handle set with diamonds -- in fact , he was the picture of a little dandy . The other lad had a broad Scotch bonnet on , and no wig ; beautiful silky yellow locks fell about his shoulders . He had laid his sword on the grass . He was dressed in tartan , which Ricardo had never seen before ; and he wore a kilt , which was also new to Ricardo , who wondered at his bare legs -- for he was wearing shoes with no stockings . In his hand he held a curious club , with a long , slim handle , and a head made heavy with lead , and defended with horn . With this he was aiming at a little white ball ; and suddenly he swung up the club and sent the ball out of sight in the air , over several trees . Prince Ricardo stepped up to this boy , took off his cap , and said : `` I think I have the honour of addressing the Prince of Wales ? '' Prince Charles started at the sight of a gentleman in long riding-boots , girt with a broadsword , which was not then generally worn , and carrying a Persian rug under his arm . `` That is what I am called , sir , '' he said , `` by those who give me the title which is mine by right . May I inquire the reason which offers me the pleasure of this unexpected interview ? '' `` Oh , I 'm Ricardo of Pantouflia ! '' says Dick .
`` I had a letter from you this morning , and I believe you wanted XXXXX see me . ''
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