The magician continued his contemplation of the cards. "Yes," he said, at last. "I see an exciting future before you. I hope you will look out for me, for when you are crowned I should value your majesty's favor immensely.""Then I will give you a place at court as the Queen's jester," said the amused woman.He met her smile and bowed with ceremony. "Your majesty's most humble servant!" he declared. "I enter upon my functions from this day forward. You will see my cap and bells in the forefront of the throng when you ride to your coronation!""You are so sure there will be a coronation," she said. "Even though I chance to be married already?""Is that so?" he said, eyebrows raised. "That rather complicates matters, doesn't it? Still -- " He looked again at the cards. "It seems pretty certain. If it weren't for that hobgoblin of a Knave I should say it was quite sure! He comes between the King and the heart, you see. I shouldn't be too intimate with him, if I were you!"