“Run away?” asked the mistress of ceremonies, in dismay. “He has dared to run away in the presence of your majesty?”
“Yes, he has dared to do so, but previously he has dared to do something a great deal worse. He has—but, dear countess, sit down; you might turn giddy.”
“Oh no, your majesty, permit me to stand. Your majesty was going to communicate graciously to me what Mr. Himmel—this teacher of a queen is not even a nobleman—has dared to do in the presence of your majesty.”
“Well, listen to me,” said the queen, smiling; and bending down closely to the ear of the countess, she whispered: “He has kissed my shoulder!”
The mistress of ceremonies uttered a piercing cry and tottered back in dismay.
“Kissed!” she faltered.
“Yes, kissed,” sighed the queen; “I really believe it is still to be seen.”
She walked with light, swinging steps to the large looking-glass, and looked at her shoulder with a charming, child-like smile.
“Yes, that small red spot there is Mr. Himmel’s crime!” she said. “Tell me what punishment he has deserved, countess.”
“That is a question for the courts alone to decide,” said the mistress of ceremonies, solemnly; “for we shall bring the occurrence, of course, at once to their notice. Orders should be issued immediately to arrest him, and his punishment should be as unparalleled as was his offence. Your majesty will permit me to repair at once to the king in order—“.