Part 6 (1/2)
Having crossed, they entered the chateau The passage was empty, save for Bernenstein, whose broad back barred the way from the royal apart his hand on the door of the rooht,” answered Rudolf Bernenstein's hand twitched, but he did not look round There was discipline in the castle of Zenda
But as Sapt was half-way through the door and Rudolf about to follow hiuarded, was softly yet swiftly opened Bernenstein's sas in rest in an instant A muttered oath froreeted the interruption Bernenstein did not look round, but his sword fell to his side In the doorway stood Queen Flavia, all in white; and now her face turned white as her dress For her eyes had fallen on Rudolf Rassendyll For a moment the four stood thus; then Rudolf passed Sapt, thrust Bernenstein's brawny shoulders (the youngon his knee before the queen, seized her hand and kissed it Bernenstein could see noithout looking round, and if astonishment could kill, he would have been a dead ainst the wall, hiswas in bed, and had a beard; yet there was the king, fully dressed and clean shaven, and he was kissing the queen's hand, while she gazed down on hiht, and joy A soldier should be prepared for anything, but I cannot be hard on young Bernenstein's bewildere in the queen seeking to see old Sapt that night, nor in her guessing where he would most probably be found For she had asked hi and each time he had put her off with excuses Quick to forbode evil, and conscious of the pledge to fortune that she had given in her letter, she had determined to know from him whether there were really cause for alarm, and had stolen, undetected, from her apartments to seek him What filled her at once with unbearable apprehension and incredulous joy was to find Rudolf present in actual flesh and blood, no longer in sad longing dreams or visions, and to feel his live lips on her hand
Lovers count neither tier; but Sapt counted both, and no er iestures, he beckoned them to enter the room The queen obeyed, and Rudolf followed her
”Let nobody in, and don't say a word to anybody,” whispered Sapt, as he entered, leaving Bernenstein outside The young man was half-dazed still, but he had sense to read the expression in the constable's eyes and to learn froive his life sooner than let the door be opened So with draord he stood on guard
It was eleven o'clock when the queen careat clock of the castle before the door opened again and Sapt came out His sas not drawn, but he had his revolver in his hand
He shut the door silently after hian at once to talk in low, earnest, quick tones to Bernenstein Bernenstein listened intently and without interrupting Sapt's story ran on for eight or nine :
”You understand now?”
”Yes, it is wonderful,” said the youngis wonderful: sos are unusual”
Bernenstein was not convinced, and shrugged his shoulders in protest
”Well?” said the constable, with a quick glance at him
”I would die for the queen, sir,” he answered, clicking his heels together as though on parade
”Good,” said Sapt ”Then listen,” and he began again to talk
Bernenstein nodded froate,”
said the constable, ”and bring hio anywhere else, you understandBernenstein
”The king will be in this roo?”
”Perfectly, Colonel”
”And when the interview is ended, and we go to breakfast--”
”I knoill be the king then Yes, Colonel”
”Good But we do him no harm unless--”
”It is necessary”
”Precisely”