"Your Majesty asks whom we escort," said Rupert. "It is my dear friend,
Albert of Lauengram."
"Sir," said I, "no one regrets the unfortunate affair more than I. My
ordinance, which I mean to have obeyed, is witness to it."
"Poor fellow!" said Flavia softly, and I saw Rupert's eyes flash at her.
Whereat I grew red; for, if I had my way, Rupert Hentzau should not
have defiled her by so much as a glance. Yet he did it and dared to let
admiration be seen in his look.
"Your Majesty's words are gracious," he said. "I grieve for my friend.
Yet, sire, others must soon lie as he lies now."
"It is a thing we all do well to remember, my lord," I rejoined.
"Even kings, sire," said Rupert, in a moralizing tone; and old Sapt
swore softly by my side.
"It is true," said I. "How fares my brother, my lord?"
"He is better, sire."
"I am rejoiced."
"He hopes soon to leave for Strelsau, when his health is secured."
"He is only convalescent then?"
"There remain one or two small troubles," answered the insolent fellow,
in the mildest tone in the world.
"Express my earnest hope," said Flavia, "that they may soon cease to
trouble him."
"Your Royal Highness's wish is, humbly, my own," said Rupert, with a
bold glance that brought a blush to Flavia's cheek.
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