My horse moved freely under me and carried me
easily along the grassy avenues. It was hard then to be utterly
despondent, hard to doubt skill of brain, strength of hand, or
fortune's favor.
The castle came in sight, and I hailed it with a glad cry that
echoed among the trees. But a moment later I gave an exclamation
of surprise, and raised myself a little from the saddle while I
gazed earnestly at the summit of the keep. The flag staff was
naked; the royal standard that had flapped in the wind last night
was gone. But by immemorial custom the flag flew on the keep when
the king or the queen was at the castle. It would fly for Rudolf
V. no more; but why did it not proclaim and honor the presence of
Queen Flavia? I sat down in my saddle and spurred my horse to the
top of his speed. We had been buffeted by fate sorely, but now I
feared yet another blow.
In a quarter of an hour more I was at the door. A servant ran
out, and I dismounted leisurely and easily. Pulling off my
gloves, I dusted my boots with them, turned to the stableman and
bade him look to the horse, and then said to the footman:
"As soon as the queen is dressed, find out if she can see me. I
have a message from his Majesty.
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