We lapsed into silence for a few minutes, and then he continued:
"The Press will have a scoop to-morrow. I thought it best to leave to them the writing of the first news; it will be necessary, however, for you to make a declaration, simple and short, as your speech this morning. I could never have believed those people could have so far forgotten the Royal presence, their feelings must have been very great."
"All the better, it shows how they love Rudarlia."
"Some day it will be their King as well," said Mr. Smith.
And inwardly I hoped that it might be so.
"How are we to know when to go?" I asked.
"They will let me know from the Palace; the news of Ivan's death will not be told until we choose. Every one, save the doctors, nurses, and Woolgast, will have been kept from the sick-room all to-day. One of the doctors is our man; the other will be when he finds that he is practically a prisoner."
"But the Queen? I have never until now thought of her."
"The Queen, poor lady, has confined herself more and more these last few years to her own suite. She rarely goes out, never entertains; I think Ivan broke her heart soon after they were married."
"But what will become of her?"