Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/374

356 true king, and the best friends—aye, by Heaven, the best friends—man ever had, sick to call you master. I know nothing about your conscience, but this I know: the King's dead, and the place is empty; and I don't see what Almighty God sent you here for unless it was to fill it. Come, lad——for our love and her honour! While he was alive I’d have killed you sooner than let you take it. He's dead. Now—for our love and her honour, lad!"

I do not know what thoughts passed in Mr. Rassendyll's mind. His face was set and rigid. He made no sign when Sapt finished, but stood as he was, motionless, for a long while. Then he slowly bent his head and looked down into the Queen's eyes. For a while she sat looking back into his. Then carried away by the wild hope of immediate joy, and by her love for him, and her pride in the place he was offered, she sprang up and threw herself at his feet, crying:

"Yes, yes! For my sake, Rudolf—for my sake!"

"Are you too against me, my Queen?" he murmured, caressing her ruddy hair.