"It's Gaspard the smith," said the frightened page. "He craves the honor of an interview."
The duke looked up from his parchment.
"Gaspard the smith?"
The duke was seated before the fireplace in the hall. The forge had been removed; and instead there were some logs smoldering there, for the morning was cool. But his glance recalled the circumstances of his last encounter with the smith. The watchful page was quick to seize his cue.
"He comes alone," the page announced.
The duke gave a start, then began to chuckle.
"Tiens! Tiens! He comes alone! 'Tis true, this is the time limit I set. Send the creature in."
And his highness continued to laugh all the time that the page was gone. But he laughed softly, for he was alone. Presently he heard a subdued clinking of steel. He greeted his subject with a sly smile.
Most subjects of Louis the Terrible would have been overjoyed to be received by their sovereign so graciously. But Gaspard the smith showed no special joy. He wasn't nearly so proud, either, as he had been that other time he had appeared before his lord. He bent his knee. He remained kneeling until the duke told him to get up. The duke was still smiling.
"So my three days were enough," said his highness.