CHAPTER XVIII.
The Queen of Hungary had returned home the evening before, and on the following morning summoned Barbara to the Golden Cross to sing with the boy choir.
When the major-domo, Quijada, obedient to her command, entered the room at eleven o'clock, she called to him: "Miracles, Luis, mighty miracles in these godless times! I have just come from his Majesty, and in what did I find him occupied?
Turning over music with Maestro Gombert--of course, for a female voice.

Besides, he looked as if he had just defeated the Turks and Frenchmen at once.

As for the gout, he'll be dancing the 'hoppedei' with the peasants presently." "Day before yesterday he surprised us by wearing satin shoes," remarked Quijada.

"May I congratulate you on the really magical effect of your Majesty's prescription ?" "Continue to think so, if it suits you," cried the Queen gaily.

"Only a few powerful drops from elsewhere have probably fallen into the potion.
But how stupidly artless you can look when you feign ignorance, Luis! In this case, however, you need not let your breathing be oppressed by the mask.