The king rose hastily and crossed the room toward the little side-door.
"Is any one there?" asked he in a loud tone of displeasure.
"Yes, your majesty," whispered a trembling voice, "and I pray you earnestly to open the door."
"It is my valet Anselmo," said Joseph to the princess, while he withdrew the bolt.
It was Anselmo, in truth, who, with mysterious mien, beckoned to his lord to come out.
"Will your majesty condescend to step into the corridor, that I may deliver the message with which I am intrusted?" said the valet.
"Is it so weighty, Anselmo, that it cannot lie upon your conscience until morning?"
"Not one moment can I defer it, your majesty, for I was told that your majesty's well-being and health depended upon my speed."
The king stepped outside and closed the door. "Who sent you hither,
Anselmo?" asked he.
"I do not know, sire, but I suspect. It was a female form enveloped in a long black cloak, with a hood which concealed her face. She came from the gallery which leads to the apartments of their imperial highnesses, your majesty's sisters, and entered your majesty's own cabinet, which I had left open while I was lighting your majesty hither."