"Sir!"
"Is it time? Have you the paper?"
The groom of the chambers extracted a crested sheet from his left-hand pocket.
"Read it out," said the Emperor hoarsely.
Mr. Harrison read as follows:
"Arrivals, Monday, June the —: At 12.30, Mrs. Verulam, Mr. Rodney, and Mr. Van Adam, with Mrs. Marriner, maid, and one valet."
A loud sob from the Empress.
"At 3.15, Mr. James Bush."
"Go on, Mr. Harrison—go on."