As he looked up, there was a slight movement in the curtains by
him; it died away when the count gave no further signs of
suspicion, but Rudolf had noticed his surprise: the voice, when
it next spoke, was subdued.
"Most delighted," pursued Mr. Rassendyll. "For I am pestered
beyond endurance about those dogs. I can't get the coats right,
I've tried everything, but they won't come as I wish. Now, yours
are magnificent."
"You are very good, sire. But I ventured to ask an audience in
order to--"
"Positively you must tell me about the dogs. And before Sapt
comes, for I want nobody to hear but myself."
"Your Majesty expects Colonel Sapt?"
"In about twenty minutes," said the king, with a glance at the
clock on the mantelpiece.
At this Rischenheim became all on fire to get his errand done
before Sapt appeared.
"The coats of your dogs," pursued the king, "grow so
beautifully--"
"A thousand pardons, sire, but--"
"Long and silky, that I despair of--"
"I have a most urgent and important matter," persisted
Rischenheim in agony.
Rudolf threw himself back in his chair with a peevish air. "Well,
if you must, you must. What is this great affair, Count? Let us
have it over, and then you can tell me about the dogs.
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