Page:The Prisoner of Zenda.djvu/191

Rh Duke of Strelsau. I made all withdraw, and then he said, seating himself by me:

"The king is in love, it seems?"

"Not with life, my lord," said I, smiling.

"It is well," he rejoined. "Come, we are alone. Rassendyll——"

I rose to a sitting posture.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

"I was about to call one of my gentlemen to bring your horse, my lord. If you do not know how to address the king my brother must find another messenger."

"Why keep up the farce?" he asked, negligently dusting his boot with his glove.

"Because it is not finished yet; and meanwhile I'll choose my own name."

"Oh, so be it! Yet I spoke in love for you; for indeed you are a man after my own heart."

"Saving my poor honesty," said I, "maybe I am. But that I keep faith with men, and honor with women, maybe I am, my lord."

He darted a glance at me—a glance of anger.

"Is your mother dead?" said I.