The sounds, too, fascinated us, those mysterious murmurings for all the world like those of a slumbering child. We spoke seldom, preferring to sit hand in hand, in silence, until the moon crept into view, showing us, as it were, another world--quiet, peaceful, silvery, and almost more enchantingly beautiful than the day.
We were, no doubt, absurd, but I am glad to think that we were, that in spite of strenuous lives before us--and in my case behind as well--we could still forget everything in each other's love, and look out on the world with the pleased, expectant eyes of children; I believe we could imagine fairies in the depths of the forest, or nymphs playing in the streams.
It was on the eleventh day of our stay in this place, that we received notification that the outside world did really exist; we were brought back abruptly to our everyday senses, by the sight of a number of men toiling up a somewhat steep hill which led to the château. We were on the top of one of the towers, and from there had an extensive view of the surrounding country.
"Oh, Victor, look at those people! Do you think they want to see us? because if so I must go and arrange my hair."
A remark which might lead people to imagine that the King of Rudarlia was a very ordinary young husband after all.
The men in question did wish to see us, for presently we were informed that a deputation from a neighbouring village desired to pay us their respectful homage.
"This is the beginning of the end, my Queen, and how little do those honest fellows know with what thoughts we watched their approach. Of course, I might order their heads to be cut off; but, if I did, no one would do it, so you see how impotent your husband really is."
"Poor fellows, they must be very hot and thirsty, and I think it is charming of them to come all this way to see us."
"So do I, but I did not wish to be disturbed."
"Nor did I, there are such beautiful views from up here."