“I know not; but here come a royal page, I will ask him,” said Sir Richard.
It was Simon who was passing, and to whom Sir Richard said,
“Young man, can you conduct us to the wainscot chamber?”
“Yes, gentlemen,” said Simon, with a roguish smile; “I was seeking you for that purpose. Will you please follow me?”
“We will.”
Simon led the way to rather a small room that was entirely wainscotted all over the walls as well as the ceiling, and after desiring them to be seated he bowed himself out, and scarcely had he done so when another door was opened, and Simon, appearing again, in a sharp, sudden tone of voice, announced—
“The king!”
“What a mercy,” said the king, “that the levée is over at last. But where is Colonel Blood?”
“We have not seen him, sire,” said Sir Richard.
“Oh, then he will be here soon.”