His aspect was intellectual, yet always threatening; and his
frigid manner was profoundly discouraging to all who sought to win his
attention or sympathy. He entered the palace now with an easy, not to
say assertive deportment, and as he ascended the broad staircase which
led to the King's private apartments, he met the Chief of the Police
coming down. This latter saluted him, but he barely acknowledged the
courtesy, so taken by surprise was he at the sight of this
administrative functionary in the palace at so early an hour. However,
it was impossible to ask any questions of him on the grand staircase,
within hearing of the Royal lackeys; so he continued on his way
upstairs, with as much dignity as his heavily-moulded figure would
permit him to display, till he reached the upper landing known as the
'King's Corridor,' where Sir Roger de Launay was in waiting to conduct
him to his sovereign's presence. To him the Marquis addressed the
question:
"Bernhoff has been with the King?"
"Yes. For more than an hour."
"Any robbery in the palace?"
De Launay smiled.
"I think not! So far as I am permitted to be cognisant of events, there
is nothing wrong!"
The Marquis looked slightly perplexed.
"The King is well?"
"Remarkably well--and in excellent humour! He is awaiting you,
Marquis,--permit me to escort you to him!"
The carved and gilded doors of the Royal audience-chamber were
thereupon flung back, and the Marquis entered, ushered in by De Launay.
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