Approaching, he knelt by the bed.
‘No,’ said she, ‘stand up—closer. Now give me your hand.’
He held it out, and she took it in her own, and put it against her side. He simply gazed at her in wonder.
‘Tell me now if you feel my heart beating.’
He waited. ‘No, madam,’ said he then, whispering.
‘Think again.’
He did. ‘No, madam. Ah! pardon. Yes, I feel it.’
‘That will do.’
He whipped back his hand and put it behind him. It had been the right hand. The Queen watched all, still smiling in that wise new way of hers.
‘Now,’ she said, ‘I think you will serve me, since you have assured yourself that I am not so disturbed as you are. I wish you to find out where they have put him.’