that Rudolf Rassendyll had played a trick on the Chancellor, and, having enjoyed his pleasure, was gone again. Everything could, in the last resort, be told, save that which touched the Queen's honour.
At this moment the message which I despatched from the station at Hofbau reached my house. There was a knock at the door. Bernenstein opened it and took the telegram, which was addressed to my wife. I had written all that I dared to trust to such a means of communication, and here it is:—
"I am coming to Strelsau. The King will not leave the lodge to-day. The Count came, but left before we arrived. I do not know whether he has gone to Strelsau. He gave no news to the King."
"Then they didn't get him!" cried Bernenstein in deep disappointment.
"No, but 'He gave no news to the King,'" said Rudolf triumphantly.
They were all standing now round the Queen, who sat on the couch. She seemed very faint and weary, but at peace. It was enough for her that Rudolf fought and planned for her.
"And see this," Rudolf went on: "'The King will not leave the lodge to-day.' Thank God, then, we have to-day!"
"Yes, but Where's Rupert?"
"We shall know in an hour, if he's in
