'You must not be involved in any trouble by a knowledge of our
movements.' So Prince Humphry said, when I saw him last,--though I did
not then understand the real drift of his meaning. And time goes on--
and time seems wearisome without any tidings of those we love!"
A tap at the door disturbed his mental soliloquy, and in answer to his
'Come in,' Sir Roger de Launay entered.
"Sorry to interrupt work, Professor!" he said briefly; "The King goes
to the Opera this evening, and desires you to be of the party."
"Good! I shall obey with more pleasure than I have obeyed some of his
Majesty's recent instructions!" And the Professor pushed aside his
manuscript to look through his spectacled eyes at the tall equerry's
handsome face and figure. "You have a healthy appearance, Roger! Your
complexion speaks of an admirable digestion!"
De Launay smiled.
"You think so? Well! Your professional approval is worth having!" He
paused, then went on; "The party will be a pleasant one to-night. The
King is in high spirits."
"Ah!" And Von Glauben's monosyllable spoke volumes.
"Perhaps he ought not to be?" suggested Sir Roger with a slight touch
of anxiety.
"I do not know--I cannot tell! This is the way of it, Roger--see!" And
taking off his spectacles, he polished them with due solemnity. "If I
were a King, and ruled over a country swarming with dissatisfied
subjects,--if I had a fox for a Premier,--and was in love with a woman
who could not possibly be my wife,--I should not be in high spirits!"
"Nor I!" said De Launay curtly.
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