Rudolf's voice had once been so like the king's that no man could tell the difference, but in the last year or two the king's had grown weaker, and Rischenheim seemed to be struck by the vigor of the tones in which he was addressed.

As he looked up, there was a slight movement in the curtains by him; it died away when the count gave no further signs of suspicion, but Rudolf had noticed his surprise: the voice, when it next spoke, was subdued.
"Most delighted," pursued Mr.Rassendyll.

"For I am pestered beyond endurance about those dogs.

I can't get the coats right, I've tried everything, but they won't come as I wish.

Now, yours are magnificent." "You are very good, sire.