"We hold ourselves free," said Rudolf to Rischenheim, "to do what we please with you, my lord. But I have no wish to cause your death, unless it be necessary. You will be wise to wait till your cousin's fate is decided before you attempt any further steps against us." And with a slight bow he left the prisoner in Bernenstein's charge, and went back to the room where the Queen awaited him. Helga was with her. The Queen sprang up to meet him.
"I mustn't lose a moment," he said. "All that crowd of people know now that the King is here. The news will filter through the town in no time. We must send word to Sapt to keep it from the King's ears at all costs: I must go and do my work, and then disappear."
The Queen stood facing him. Her eyes seemed to devour his face; but she said only:
"Yes, it must be so."
"You must return to the palace as soon as I am gone. I shall send out and ask the people to disperse, and then I must be off."
"To seek Rupert of Hentzau?"
"Yes."
She struggled for a moment with the contending feelings that filled her heart. Then she came to him and seized hold of his hand.
"Don't go," she said, in low trembling
