He talks of nothing but cutting the play-actor's throat."
Didn't he, indeed?
"And if I do it for him what do you think he's promised me?"
The unhappy woman raised her hands above her head, in prayer or in despair.
"But I detest waiting," said Rupert; and I saw that he was about to lay his hand on her again when there was a noise of a door in the room opening, and a harsh voice cried:
"What are you doing here, sir?"
Rupert turned his back to the window, bowed low, and said in his loud, merry tones:
"Apologizing for your absence, sir. Could I leave the lady alone?"
The newcomer must be Black Michael. I saw him directly, as he advanced toward the window. He caught young Rupert by the arm.
"The moat would hold more than the king!" said he, with a significant gesture.
"Does your Highness threaten me?" asked Rupert.
