Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/262

248 proceeding from the sitting-room on the left. He recognised the Queen's, my wife's, and Anton's. Then came the butler's, saying:

"I will inform the Count of Your Majesty's wishes."

The door of the room opened; the butler appeared, and immediately behind him Anton von Strofzin and Bernenstein. Bernenstein had the young fellow by the arm, and hurried him through the hall. They passed the butler, who made way for them, and came to where Rischenheim stood.

"We meet again," said Rischenheim with a bow.

The Chancellor rubbed his hands in nervous perturbation. The butler stepped up and delivered his message: the Queen regretted her inability to receive the Count. Rischenheim nodded, and, standing so that the door could not be shut, asked Bernenstein whether he knew where the King was.

Now Bernenstein was most anxious to get the pair of them away and the door shut, but he dared show no eagerness.

"Do you want another interview with the King already?" he asked with a smile. "The last was so pleasant, then?"

Rischenheim took no notice of the taunt, but observed sarcastically:

"There's a strange difficulty in finding