Our human horses drew us slowly up to the entrance. Helsing was
on the steps, and ran down to the carriage, greeting the king
with passionate fervor. The shouts of the crowd grew louder
still.
But suddenly a stillness fell on them; it lasted but an instant,
and was the prelude to a deafening roar. I was looking at Rudolf
and saw his head turn suddenly and his eyes grow bright. I looked
where his eyes had gone. There, on the top step of the broad
marble flight, stood the queen, pale as the marble itself,
stretching out her hands towards Rudolf. The people had seen her:
she it was whom this last rapturous cheer greeted. My wife stood
close behind her, and farther back others of her ladies.
Bernenstein and I sprang out. With a last salute to the people
Rudolf followed us. He walked up to the highest step but one, and
there fell on one knee and kissed the queen's hand. I was by him,
and when he looked up in her face I heard him say:
"All's well. He's dead, and the letter burnt."
She raised him with her hand. Her lips moved, but it seemed as
though she could find no words to speak. She put her arm through
his, and thus they stood for an instant, fronting all Strelsau.
Pages:
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333