Colonel Vilda went in again and this time the interval before his return passed in silence.
When he returned, Helga was with him. I saw she had been weeping and that the tears were still in her eyes.
“They are tears of joy and gratitude, Harper,” she whispered, taking my arm and then started as she saw Prince Kalkov.
“His Majesty deeply regrets to hear of your Highness’s illness,” said the Colonel, “and he counsels your immediate return to your house, where he will communicate with you.”
The old man listened with frowning brows and unmoved firmness.
“It is not true,” he declared doggedly.
“It is as I say, your Highness; and his Majesty further bids me say that as your health has broken down, he will immediately relieve you of all your official duties.”
“He cannot mean this—and without ever seeing me,” he cried.
“His Majesty is too overcome by news which has reached him to-day, to be able to endure the strain of an interview with your Highness, and has retired to his private apartments.”
“My God! after all my years of service.”