“I must speak again with Leoni,” he said. “Where has he gone?” And he lifted a portière and walked out of the apartment, entering a long corridor where a coloured lamp hung from the ceiling. “Our host is well lodged,” he continued musingly, as he passed on, stopping at a door through which a stream of light issued forth.
The King pushed the door, which swung back noiselessly on its hinges, and gazed inside, to see Leoni sitting at a table, studiously intent upon some work—lost in the depths. He called softly:
“Leoni!”
The doctor did not turn his head.
“Leoni!” said the King once more, raising his voice; and the man of learning leaped to his feet and came towards his master.
“My lord!” he ejaculated.
The King stepped into the room, and the door closed behind him.
“Busily engaged, Master Leoni?” he said bluffly.
The doctor bowed.
“In your service, sir,” he replied humbly.