‘You cannot do that. Her Majesty is just sitting down to dinner. What is your name; and what do you want to see her about?’
‘My name does not matter. I come as a friend, and I bring her Majesty a message from one who wishes her well.’
I knew that if this woman were really in Draga’s confidence these words would not fall unheeded.
‘Cannot you tell me something more? I will try to get you an audience as soon as dinner is over, provided I am sure that you are a friend.’
‘Listen!’ I bent forward and whispered in her ear. ‘Have you ever heard the Queen mention a certain Monsieur V——?’
The woman gave a start of joy, impossible to be feigned.
‘You come from him?’
I bowed.
‘Then I will endeavour to let the Queen know at once. In the meantime, follow me.’
Anna conducted me up one of the back staircases of the Palace and along a corridor, till we arrived at a door, which she unlocked with a key taken out of her pocket.