I always eat a good breakfast, and did I forgo it altogether, it would be sure to excite her curiosity--a thing I do not wish at present.

As there was still time to wait, I lay down on my bed as I was, and--such is the way of Fate--shortly fell asleep.
I was awakened by a terrific clattering at my door.

When I opened it I found a little group of servants, very apologetic at awaking me without instructions.

The chief of them explained that a young priest had come from the Vladika with a message so urgent that he insisted on seeing me immediately at all hazards.

I came out at once, and found him in the hall of the Castle, standing before the great fire, which was always lit in the early morning.