long to
wait. On the stroke of eight a gentleman, well-horsed but entirely
unattended, rode up the carriage drive. Bernenstein, crying "Ah, it is
the count!" ran to meet him. Rischenheim dismounted, holding out his
hand to the young officer.

"My dear Bernenstein!" said he, for they were acquainted with one
another.

"You're punctual, my dear Rischenheim, and it's lucky, for the king
awaits you most impatiently."

"I didn't expect to find him up so soon," remarked Rischenheim.

"Up! He's been up these two hours. Indeed we've had the devil of a
time of it. Treat him carefully, my dear Count; he's in one of his
troublesome humors. For example--but I mustn't keep you waiting. Pray
follow me."

"No, but pray tell me. Otherwise I might say something unfortunate."

"Well, he woke at six; and when the barber came to trim his beard there
were--imagine it, Count!--no less than seven gray hairs." The king fell
into a passion. "Take it off!" he said. "Take it off. I won't have
a gray beard! Take it off!' Well what would you? A man is free to be
shaved if he chooses, so much more a king. So it's taken off."

"His beard!"

"His beard, my dear Count." Then, after thanking Heaven it was gone,
and declaring he looked ten years younger, he cried, "The Count
of Luzau-Rischenheim breakfasts with me to-day: what is there for
breakfast?" And he had the chef out his of bed and--"But, by heavens,
I shall get into trouble if I stop here chattering. He's waiting most
eagerly for you. Come along." And Bernenstein, passing his arm through
the count's, walked him rapidly into the castle.

The Count of Luzau-Rischenheim was a young man; he was no more versed
in affairs of this kind than Bernenstein, and it cannot be said that he
showed so much aptitude for them. He was decidedly pale this morning;
his manner was uneasy, and his hands trembled. He did not lack courage,
but that rarer virtue, coolness; and the importance--or perhaps the
shame--of his mission upset the balance of his nerves. Hardly noting
where he went, he allowed Bernenstein to lead him quickly and directly
towards the room where Rudolf Rassendyll was, not doubting that he was
being conducted to the king's presence.

"Breakfast is ordered for nine," said Bernenstein, "but he wants to see
you before. He has something important to say; and you perhaps have the
same?"

"I? Oh, no. A small matter; but--er--of a private nature."

"Quite so, quite so. Oh, I don't ask any qu