So Charlotte went to the door, and lo, there was a messenger from the king, and the messenger was accompanied by two persons attired in royal robes.
These companions were Ambition and Death, but they were so splendidly arrayed you never would have recognized them.
"Does the Lady Griselda abide here?" asked the messenger.
"She does," replied old Charlotte, courtesying very low, for the brilliant attire of the strangers dazzled her.
"I have a message from the king," said the messenger.
Old Charlotte could hardly believe her ears. A message from the king! Never before had such an honor befallen one in Griselda's station.
The message besought Griselda to appear in the theatre that night before the king, who knew of her wondrous voice, but had never heard it. And with the message came a royal gift of costly jewels, the like of which Griselda had never set eyes upon.
"You cannot refuse," said Ambition in a seductive voice. "Such an opportunity never before was accorded you and may never again be offered. It is the king for whom you are to sing!"
Griselda hesitated and cast a lingering look at her babe.
"Have no fear for the child," said Death, "for I will care for him while you are gone."