Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/89

Rh became in all things the right, and to seat him where he should be our highest duty and our nearest wish. For he said little, and that straight to the purpose; no high-flown words of his live in my memory. And he asked nothing for himself. Yet his speech and his eyes went straight to men's hearts and women's, so that they held their lives in an eager attendance on his bidding. Do I rave? Then Sapt was a raver too, for Sapt was foremost in the business.

At ten minutes to eight o'clock, young Bernenstein, very admirably and smartly accoutred, took his stand outside the main entrance of the Castle. He wore a confident air that became almost a swagger as he strolled to and fro past the motionless sentries. He had not long to wait. On the stroke of eight a gentleman, well horsed but entirely unattended, rode up the carriage drive. Bernenstein, crying, "Ah, it is the Count!", ran to meet him. Rischenheim dismounted, holding out his hand to the young officer. "My dear Bernenstein!" said he, for they were acquainted with one another. "You're punctual, my dear Rischenheim, and it's lucky, for the King awaits you most impatiently."

"I didn't expect to find him up so soon," remarked Rischenheim.

"Up! He's been up these two hours. Indeed we've had the devil of a time of it.