While strolling about the town, looking at the people and the quaint old
buildings, they stepped into the Exchange, where all the great merchants
of the town had come together doing business.
Prince George walked about, talking quite freely, first to one and then
to another. As the towns-people had not expected him, no preparation had
been made to receive him with honor; and the merchants stood in little
groups, and consulted together with, a look of anxiety upon their faces.
"What is to be done?" asked one.
"I do not know," replied another. "If his Royal Highness does not give
us notice of his coming, how can we entertain him in a proper manner?"
"Would it be well to ask him to come to one of our homes?" inquired a
third.
"No, no!" cried another. "We could not ask him to partake of our humble
fare, or even come to our homes, after the splendor to which he has been
accustomed. For my part, I shall go home to dinner."
"And I also," said the first one. "I do not care to remain here, and
stare at the Prince, when we have nothing to offer."
Then one by one, the merchants slipped away, afraid or ashamed to ask
the great Prince to their homes.
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