“God in Heaven!” he exclaimed. “Surely your Royal Highness does not believe that the King is going mad!”
“I have said nothing of the kind,” returned the Princess quickly, seeing that she had gone too far. “You have better opportunities of seeing than most of his attendants. Have you noticed anything strange in his Majesty’s conduct of late?”
“Heaven forbid, your Royal Highness!”
Hermengarde shrugged her shoulders. Karl drew back a step.
“Forgive me, Madam, but I dare not come with you,” he said in a low voice.
“Silence, fellow!” answered the Princess, speaking in low but menacing tones. “Do you wish the King to know that you have been playing the spy all these months, and carrying reports of all his movements to me? Do you suppose that I could not crush you like an eggshell if it were worth my while? You have gone too far to disobey me now. Lead on to the cottage.”
The unfortunate wretch submitted without another word, and they started off through the forest, Karl going in front and the Princess keeping up close behind.
For the next half-hour not a word was spoken. Then they gradually emerged from the thick growth of wood and found themselves on the edge of the little clearing.
“Stay here,” commanded the Princess, “and wait for my return.”
Only too glad to escape further risk, Karl bowed, and slunk back behind the shadow of a large ash, while the Princess advanced alone to the door of the forester’s hut.