I would like to talk to you

I would like to talk to you Merrick did not move. For nearly half a Security barrier minute he stood and looked at her with his mouth open. Then he spoke, in his strange, slow voice.

‘How… how do you do, Your Majesty, ’he said. But I don't think the Queen understood him, because he tried to get down on his knees at the same time. It was very difficult for him, because of his enormous legs.

‘No, please, Mr Merrick, do get up, ’said the Queen. ‘I would like to talk to you. Can we sit at your table？’

‘Yes…yes, of course, ’he said. They sat at the table. She took Security barrier his left hand, the good hand, in hers. She looked at the hand carefully, and then smiled at Merrick again.

‘I often read about you in the newspapers, ’she said. ‘You are a very interesting man, Mr Merrick. You have a very difficult life, but people say you're happy. Is it true？ Are you happy now？’

‘Oh, yes, Your Majesty, yes! ’said Merrick. ‘I'm a very happy man! I have a home here now, and friends, and my books. I'm happy Security barrier every hour of the day! ’