Yet he did it and dared to let admiration be seen in his look.
"Your Majesty's words are gracious," he said.

"I grieve for my friend.
Yet, sire, others must soon lie as he lies now." "It is a thing we all do well to remember, my lord," I rejoined.
"Even kings, sire," said Rupert, in a moralizing tone; and old Sapt swore softly by my side.
"It is true," said I."How fares my brother, my lord ?" "He is better, sire." "I am rejoiced." "He hopes soon to leave for Strelsau, when his health is secured." "He is only convalescent then ?" "There remain one or two small troubles," answered the insolent fellow, in the mildest tone in the world.
"Express my earnest hope," said Flavia, "that they may soon cease to trouble him." "Your Royal Highness's wish is, humbly, my own," said Rupert, with a bold glance that brought a blush to Flavia's cheek.
I bowed; and Rupert, bowing lower, backed his horse and signed to his party to proceed.

With a sudden impulse, I rode after him.

He turned swiftly, fearing that, even in the presence of the dead and before a lady's eyes, I meant him mischief.
"You fought as a brave man the other night," I said.

"Come, you are young, sir.