"At Zenda? Well, now, I don't--Excuse me, but what's your
business?"
"Excuse me, my dear chancellor; it's a secret."
"I have the king's confidence."
"Then you'll be indifferent to not enjoying mine," smiled
Rischenheim.
"I perceive that your arm is hurt," observed the chancellor,
seeking a diversion.
"Between ourselves, that has something to do with my business.
Well, I must go to the palace. Or--stay--would her Majesty
condescend to help me? I think I'll risk a request. She can but
refuse," and so saying Rischenheim approached the door.
"Oh, my friend, I wouldn't do that," cried Helsing, darting after
him. "The queen is--well, very much engaged. She won't like to
be troubled."
Rischenheim took no notice of him, but knocked loudly. The door
was opened, and he told the butler to carry his name to the queen
and beg a moment's speech with her. Helsing stood in perplexity
on the step. The crowd was delighted with the coming of these
great folk and showed no sign of dispersing. Anton von Strofzin
did not reappear. Rischenheim edged himself inside the doorway
and stood on the threshold of the hall. There he heard voices
proceeding from the sitting-room on the left.
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