“And now for the room and the breakfast,” answered the page, accepting her patronage with a profound bow. “The breakfast I can promise you—in that respect The Swan is never wanting; but as for a room, the truth is, I have a person here whose name I need not mention, as it might be an offence to some one we know of—a lady whom one neither wishes to entertain or offend, but who has taken every room in my house for herself and her train; but there is a closet next her own chamber, which a little marmosette of a page sleeps in; I will turn him out and give the room to you. Only move softly and speak low, for the partition is thin, and there is danger of being overheard.” The page bowed low again with a hand on his heart. “I see that the praise I heard of madame’s goodness is well bestowed. Place me anywhere, I shall be content, so long as there is a pallet on which I may snatch a few hours’ rest, and light enough to refresh my toilet by.” “The room has a glazed window, and you shall not be disturbed.” “Meanwhile, perhaps you will think of some method by which I can speak to the queen.” “It is difficult, very difficult; but there are few things that Dame Tillery cannot accomplish when all her energies are set upon it. This is the room; marmosette has arisen—go in, go in; if he has left anything there, set it outside the door, and draw the bolt. I see his bed has not been touched.” The page stepped over the threshold, saying, “I will not disturb the lady with any noise.” “Oh! never mind her—she cannot rule here! The time was—but no matter; a good morning’s sleep to you. When the breakfast is ready you shall be informed.” The page entered the little room assigned to him, threw himself on the pallet-bed, and burst into a low, rich gush of laughter, that was little in keeping with the promise he had made not to disturb the lady in the next room. A few minutes after Zamara came to the door. The page sprung up, drew the bolt, and gave the dwarf a glimpse of his laughing face. “Go away!” he said, “I am here safe and well. Your lady will sleep late; she is ill—has an abominable headache. I should not wonder if she keeps her bed all day.” Zamara left the door infinitely relieved, for he had been very anxious during the night. In the passage he met Dame Tillery. “How has your lady rested?” she inquired. “Have you seen her this morning?” “No; but I will inquire,” answered the dwarf. “It is time, we must be thinking about her breakfast.” “I fear madame will have but little appetite; she was not well last night.” “Still we must take her orders. Yes, yes, I am coming! Was ever a house like this! Dame Tillery here, Dame Tillery there! If I could cut myself into a dozen, it would not be enough. You hear how they are calling me, marmosette. In ten minutes I will be back again—expect me.”