VIII
THE END OF A DREAM
At last a door opened and Rachimburg entered, according to etiquette, to undress the king. The faithful servant appeared greatly vexed to find him without a light, groping along the wall.
"Where is that infernal doctor?" asked Charming, foaming with rage.
"It is more than an hour, sire, since His Excellency quitted the palace."
"Who is talking of Wieduwillst?" cried the king. "Which way did the villain go that just insulted me?"
Rachimburg looked at the prince with a contrite air, and raised his eyes to heaven, sighing.
"A man went out of the door that leads to your rooms," said Charming. "How did he enter, and where has he fled?"
"Sire," said Rachimburg, "I have neither quitted my post nor seen any one."
"I tell you that a man was in this room a moment ago."