I am now going out indeed, for there are the ladies, I see, who are going to start." With this remark, the king, with all the eagerness, not only of a young man, but of a young man in love, withdrew from the window, in order to take his gloves and cane, which his valet held ready for him.

The neighing of the horses and the rumbling of the wheels on the gravel of the courtyard could be distinctly heard.

The king descended the stairs, and at the moment he made his appearance upon the flight of steps every one stopped.

The king walked straight up to the young queen.

The queen-mother, who was still suffering more than ever from the illness with which she was afflicted, did not wish to go out.