Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/273

Rh quit Ruritania a second time leaving Rupert of Hentzau alive. Fritz, send word to Sapt that the King is in Strelsau—he will understand—and that instructions from the King will follow by midday. When I have killed Rupert, I shall visit the lodge on my way to the frontier."

He turned to go, but the Queen, following, detained him for a minute.

"You'll come and see me before you go?" she pleaded.

"But I ought not," said he, his resolute eyes suddenly softening in a marvellous fashion.

"You will?"

"Yes, my Queen."

Then I sprang up, for a sudden dread laid hold on me.

"Heavens, man," I cried, "what if he kills you—there in the Königstrasse?"

Rudolf turned to me; there was a look of surprise on his face.

"He won't kill me," he answered.

The Queen, looking still in Rudolf's face, and forgetful now, as it seemed, of the dream that had so terrified her, took no notice of what I said, but urged again:

"You'll come, Rudolf?"

"Yes, once, my Queen," and with a last kiss of her hand he was gone.

The Queen stood for yet another moment where she was, still and almost rigid. Then