"And at the King's?" asked Sapt.
"At the King's? But the King is dead."
"Therefore 'Long live the King!'" struck in young Bernenstein.
"If there should be a King" began Sapt.
"You'll do that?" interrupted Rischenheim in breathless agitation.
"She is deciding," said Colonel Sapt, and again he pointed to the moon.
"But she's a plaguy long time about it," remarked Lieutenant von Bernenstein.
Rischenheim sat silent for a moment. His face was pale, and when he spoke his voice trembled. But his words were resolute enough.
"I gave my honour to the Queen, and even in that I will serve her if she commands me."
Bernenstein sprang forward and caught him by the hand.
"That's what I like," said he, "and damn the moon, Colonel!"
His sentence was hardly out of his mouth when the door opened, and to our astonishment the Queen entered. Helga was just behind; her clasped hands and frightened eyes seemed to protest that their coming was against her will. The Queen was clad in a long white robe, and her hair hung on her shoulders, being but loosely bound with a riband. Her air showed great
