Afterward he got into his evening clothes, and when he was quite ready he sent Johann to see if the carriage he had ordered was in waiting. But the boy returned with dismay mantling his usually placid features.
“The carriage is not coming, your Royal Highness,” he said, with an accent of apology, as though the fault was his.
“Not coming?” Grey repeated in astonishment. “Why is it not coming?”
“None has been ordered, your Royal Highness.”
“Then order one at once.”
“I tried to, your Royal Highness; but I was not permitted.”
Grey’s customary calmness gave way to palpable irritation.
“What the devil do you mean?” he asked. “Am I a prisoner here?”
Johann’s distress increased.
“It is not I, your Royal Highness, on whom the blame lies. Outside this door is a guard. He will not let me pass. He will not let your Royal Highness pass. He has orders.”