Page:The Prisoner of Zenda.djvu/227

Rh "It is true," said I. "How fares my brother, my lord?"

"He is better, sire."

"I am rejoiced."

"He hopes soon to leave for Strelsau, when his health is secured."

"He is only convalescent, then?"

"There remain one or two small troubles," answered the insolent fellow in the mildest tone in the world.

"Express my earnest hope," said Flavia, "that they may soon cease to trouble him."

"Your Royal Highness' wish is, humbly, my own," said Rupert with a bold glance that brought a blush to Flavia's cheek.

I bowed; and Rupert, bowing lower, backed his horse and signed his party to proceed. With a sudden impulse I rode after him. He turned swiftly, fearing that, even in the presence of the dead and before a lady's eyes, I meant mischief.

"You fought as a brave man the other night," I said. "Come, you are young, sir. If you will