The procession, reassured, was about to resume its progress, when the queen suddenly uttered a piercing shriek.
[Original Size] -- [Medium-Size]
“What’s the matter now?” said Marsillus, giving a start, which was repeated by all around him.
“Do you not see that the room is empty? They have killed my child. There is no doubt about it: I was dreaming of a cat when you woke me! My child is dead!”
“Then,” said the chamberlain, “the tutor must have killed him.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Marsillus; “and as for you, madam, you’re a fool. Retire to your apartments. And do you take notice, governor of the palace, that if my son is not found by sunrise, you will be honoured by immediate impalement. Go!—I rely upon your zeal and activity!”
Marsillus retired to bed again, flung himself on his pillow, and slept till nine, which was a thing he never did before. On waking, he saw the governor of the palace seated motionless at the foot of his couch.