Royalty opened its eyes, blinked, shut them again, then opened them, stared at Peronella, sat up on his litter, and in a stridently audible voice declared to the assembled company:
"I want her: she must be my Queen!"
His eyes glowed with anticipation. All kept silent, half wondering, half horrified, half amused.
"Come here," continued Andrea, "do come here!"
"The devil take you!" muttered the girl, retreating to the end of the room.
"Do not speak like that to the King," said the priest.
"Come here. I command you. This time I must be obeyed," pursued the old maniac, and a dread sight he was with his stubbly beard and unholy light in his eyes. "They are always taking me away from you! I have waited such a long time—I want to kiss you! Will no one bring her here? This world is all full of traitors and liars."
"Go to him," said Vorza to Peronella. "Cesano, persuade her!"
Peronella's face flushed hot with disgust. The King rose right up and tottered towards her. She instantly put her hand to her girdle and levelled her pistol at him.
"Put him back!" she said, with a quietness almost hysterical.