There would then have been something like a natural provocation for it." There was a low sound, as of some one scratching at the door.

That was the usual way of asking admittance to the King's room on very urgent matters.

Perez rose instantly, the King nodded to him, and he went to the door.

On opening, someone handed him a folded paper on a gold salver.

He brought it to Philip, dropped on one knee very ceremoniously, and presented it.