Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/174

162 of the keep. The flagstaff was naked; the royal standard that had flapped in the wind last night was gone. But by immemorial custom the flag flew on the keep when the King or the Queen was at the Castle. It would fly for Rudolf V. no more; but why did it not proclaim and honour the presence of Queen Flavia? I sat down in my saddle and spurred my horse to the top of his speed. We had been buffeted by fate sorely; but now I feared yet another blow.

In a quarter of an hour more I was at the door. A servant ran out, and I dismounted leisurely and easily. Pulling off my gloves I dusted my boots with them, turned to the stableman and bade him look to the horse, and then said to the footman:

"As soon as the Queen is dressed, find out if she can see me. I have a message from His Majesty."

The fellow looked a little puzzled; but at this moment Hermann, the King's major-domo, came to the door.

"Isn't the Constable with you, my lord?" he asked.

"No, the Constable remains at the lodge with the King," said I carelessly, though I was very far from careless. "I have a message for Her Majesty, Hermann. Find out from some of the women when she will receive me."

"The Queen's not here," said he. "In-