“Is there anything I can do for your Majesty to-night before I leave you for a short time?” he asked.
“I want to see my cousin Ernest,” was the response, muttered in sullen tones. “They will not let me see Ernest, though he is my heir.”
“Your wishes shall be obeyed, Sire. I will have Prince Ernest sent here.”
He passed out into the ante-room, where Karl was waiting anxiously. The physician had gone elsewhere for a time, and Karl was in solitary control.
“Go at once to Prince Ernest, and bring him here. The King wants to see him,” commanded Johann.
Karl knew the character of the man he had to deal with too well to attempt excuses. All he ventured to say was—
“It will be difficult to manage, and I may be some time. Who will guard the King?”
“I will. I will stay here till you return, and as soon as you have brought the Prince, you shall let me out by the way I came in.”
Before going on his errand Karl ventured a question.
“What do you think of his Majesty’s condition?”