Sit down." Babylas obeyed him.

Tressan stood with his back to the open door.

His ears, strained to listen, had caught the swish of a woman's gown.

He cleared his throat, and began to dictate: "To Her Majesty the Queen-Regent--" He paused, and stood with knitted brows, deep in thought.

Then he ponderously repeated--"To Her Majesty the Queen Regent--Have you got that ?" "Yes, Monsieur le Comte.