“Perhaps you will have the goodness to inquire her Majesty’s wishes on that point, mademoiselle,” replied the voice of M. Drakovics. “My business is of the gravest importance.”
“I hope your Excellency will excuse me to her Majesty for disturbing her in this way,” was the reply, given in the same distinct tones, as the maid of honour approached the door of the inner room, and knocked as loudly as she dared without arousing the suspicions of the intruder. But her precautions had not been in vain. Cyril had grasped the situation at once, and risen from the Queen’s chair. “Sit here,” he said to Ernestine, and drew another chair to the table for himself. When M. Drakovics was ushered in, his former colleague was sitting surrounded by account-books, and looked up with mild surprise as he entered. The response was immediate. After the first glance at Cyril, the Premier seated himself, unbidden. Ernestine’s eyes flashed, but she took no notice of the solecism save by rising from her own seat, an example which Cyril followed instantly, leaving M. Drakovics no choice but to imitate him.
“You wished to see me, monsieur?” said the Queen.
“I was anxious to obtain the settlement of a very important point, madame, or I would not have ventured to interrupt your interview with Count Mortimer.”
“I am ready to give you my attention, monsieur; but I must ask you to be brief. The details of these accounts are somewhat intricate, and I am determined to understand them myself before they are handed over to Count Mortimer’s successor.”
“Nothing could be more praiseworthy than such a spirit, madame. I will not detain your Majesty longer than is necessary to attach your signature to this paper—the mandate authorising the Synod to proceed to the appointment of a Metropolitan.”
“But this is a matter that needs consideration, monsieur. I cannot consent to make the appointment hurriedly in the midst of other business. I should prefer to see you about it at another time.”
“There is no time like the present, madame.” The Premier’s tone was dogged, even menacing, and Ernestine’s colour rose.
“That is a matter for me to decide, monsieur. If you will be good enough to leave the paper, I will read it at my leisure, and give you my decision to-morrow.”
“Madame, I cannot consent to leave about important state papers for the eyes of persons unconnected with the Government. If your Majesty wishes to discuss the subject of the nomination, I have the honour to be your adviser—and not any person who has thought fit to dissociate himself from me.”