There was no mistaking his heavy steps for his brother's elastic tread.
"There is no one behind the curtain," said the King, by which it was clear that he was making search for a possible concealed listener.

He was by no means above such precautions.
"And that door ?" he said, with a question.

"What is there ?" Dolores' heart almost stood still, as she held her breath, and heard the clumsy footfall coming nearer.
"It is locked," said Don John, with undisturbed calm.

"I have not the key.

I do not know where it is,--it is not here." As Dolores had taken it from the lock, even the last statement was true to the letter, and in spite of her anxiety she smiled as she heard it, but the next moment she trembled, for the King was trying the door, and it shook under his hand, as if it must fly open.
"It is certainly locked," he said, in a discontented tone.