The young officer bowed respectfully, and withdrew. Reist took his place. The King eyed him sternly, for at first it seemed to him that so prompt a return was significant.
“Well, sir!”
Reist lifted the curtain. Marie stood there in Court dress, her long train held by pages in the Reist livery, her neck and arms ablaze with jewels, a coronet of pearls upon her forehead. She was a little pale, and she carried herself with more than ordinary dignity. The King rose, and, bowing low, raised her hands to his lips.
“You are very welcome, Countess of Reist,” he said, “although you are amongst the latest of those who have come to offer their good wishes.”
“I have come,” she answered, “in obedience to your Majesty’s commands.”
“Commands!” He smiled good-humouredly. “It is very unkind of you,” he said, “to have thought of deserting me on such a day as this.”
“My brother——”
“Oh, Nicholas is invaluable,” the King declared, lightly. “He can tell me what to say to the men, but it is in receiving the women I need your help.”
“The Baroness Kolashin is as well acquainted with our countrywomen as I,” Marie answered. “I did not doubt but that her aid would be sufficient.”