The majordomo threw back the bolts and the carter pushed his way in. That ring on the carter's finger? The majordomo felt himself slipping into a fantastic dream.
"Take me to the baron."
Vastly subdued the majordomo preceded the carter into the office of the embassy. There he left the strange guest and went in search of the baron. The ambassador was in his study, reading.
"Your Excellency, there is a man in the office who desires to see you quickly."
The ambassador laid down his book. "Upon what pretense did he gain admittance at this hour?" he demanded.
"I refused him admittance, your Excellency, because he was dressed like a carter.—"
"A carter!" The ambassador wrathfully jumped to his feet.
"One moment, your Excellency. He wore a ring on his finger, and I could not refuse him."
"A ring, you say?"
Guarding his voice with his hand, the majordomo whispered two words.