And now I must be gone, who can listen to your gossip no longer.

Oh! I had forgotten my message.
The Augusta commands that you shall wait on her this evening immediately after she has supped.

Hear and obey!" Having delivered this formal mandate, to neglect which meant imprisonment, or worse, she threw her cloak about her, and with a wondering glance at my face, opened the door and went.
At the hour appointed, or, rather, somewhat before it, I attended at the private apartments of the palace.

Evidently I was expected, for one of the chamberlains, on seeing me, bowed and bade me be seated, then left the ante-room.

Presently the door opened again, and through it came Martina, clad in her white official robe.
"You are early, Olaf," she said, "like a lover who keeps a tryst.