"A despatch, sire."
"From whom?"
"There is nothing to show——"
"From whom?"
"I do not know, sire."
"Have you no tongue to ask?"
"I asked nothing, sire."
"Um; hold it up." Leaning forward Louis bridged his dim eyes with his hand, and under the shadow Lessaix saw the thin mouth open and shut convulsively; but when the hand was lowered the King's face was expressionless. "What else?"
"Your Majesty's signet."
"Let me see! Let me see! Um; that will do. Put them on the table and go. Where is the messenger?"