Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/383

Rh "And at the King's?" asked Sapt.

"At the King's? But the King is dead."

"Therefore 'Long live the King!'" struck in young Bernenstein.

"If there should be a King" began Sapt.

"You'll do that?" interrupted Rischenheim in breathless agitation.

"She is deciding," said Colonel Sapt, and again he pointed to the moon.

"But she's a plaguy long time about it," remarked Lieutenant von Bernenstein.

Rischenheim sat silent for a moment. His face was pale, and when he spoke his voice trembled. But his words were resolute enough.

"I gave my honour to the Queen, and even in that I will serve her if she commands me."

Bernenstein sprang forward and caught him by the hand.

"That's what I like," said he, "and damn the moon, Colonel!"

His sentence was hardly out of his mouth when the door opened, and to our astonishment the Queen entered. Helga was just behind; her clasped hands and frightened eyes seemed to protest that their coming was against her will. The Queen was clad in a long white robe, and her hair hung on her shoulders, being but loosely bound with a riband. Her air showed great