"It is likely," said Charny, evidently disposed to let the discussion drop. "At least you are recovered now?"
"Completely."
"I have only one thing to entreat," said the Queen to her Lifeguardsman. "Go and tell the generals to camp where their troops are stationed and the King will issue orders to-morrow."
The count bowed but darted an affectionately anxious look on Andrea which the Queen remarked.
"Will you not return to the King with me?" inquired she of the countess.
"Oh, no," replied the latter eagerly; "I beg leave to retire."
"Oh, the King has been pleasant but you would rather not see him again? I understand. You may go, and let the count carry out his instructions."
She glanced at the lord as much as to say: "Return soon!"
And his look replied: "As soon as possible."
Andrea, with a heaving and oppressed bosom, watched her husband's movements, but as soon as he had disappeared, her forces failed her and the Queen had to run to her with the smelling salts as she sank on a stool, apologizing for the breach of etiquette in sitting in the royal presence.