Simon's cursed chatter had lost a quarter of an hour.

I opened my lips to speak.

A glance from Sapt's eyes told me that he discerned what I was about to say.

I was silent.
"You'll be in time ?" asked the queen, with clasped hands and frightened eyes.
"Assuredly, madam," returned Sapt with a bow.
"You won't let him reach the king ?" "Why, no, madam," said Sapt with a smile.
"From my heart, gentlemen," she said in a trembling voice, "from my heart--" "Here are the horses," cried Sapt.

He snatched her hand, brushed it with his grizzly moustache, and--well, I am not sure I heard, and I can hardly believe what I think I heard.