Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/93

Rh "For I am pestered beyond endurance about those dogs. I can't get the coats right. I've tried everything, but they won't come as I wish. Now yours are magnificent."

"You are very good, sire. But I ventured to ask an audience in order to"

"Positively you must tell me about the dogs. And before Sapt comes, for I want nobody to hear but myself."

"Your Majesty expects Colonel Sapt?"

"In about twenty minutes," said the King, with a glance at the clock on the mantelpiece.

At this Rischenheim became all on fire to get his errand done before Sapt appeared. "The coats of your dogs," pursued the King, "grow so beautifully"

"A thousand pardons, sire, but"

"Long and silky, that I despair of"

"I have a most urgent and important matter," persisted Rischenheim in agony.

Rudolf threw himself back in his chair with a peevish air.

"Well, if you must, you must. What is this great affair. Count? Let us have it over, and then you can tell me about the dogs."

Rischenheim looked round the room. There was nobody; the curtains were still; the King's left hand caressed his beardless chin; the right was hidden from his visitor by the small table that stood between them.