How long she remained thus in the dark she did not know. Sounds of an angry voice roused her from her stupor, and she went out into the brilliantly lighted corridor, shading her eyes from the glare, the scent of flowers and the soft strains of music becoming more noticeable as she approached the stairway whence the voices proceeded--one of which she could now distinguish as being that of her sister. She peeped over the banisters, and saw, standing close beside Veronica, Countess Spinx, white with suppressed passion. "You knew," hissed the Countess, "that there was to be no Queen." "I and my sister knew. Yes. Let me pass; I don't know what's become of her. I want to fetch her." "You might have told it to your old friend. You are looking radiantly beautiful to-night." "I am very happy." "Happy with your betrothed?" "Yes." "Listen! Did you know that every one said _I_ had the best chance of being Queen?" "You!" exclaimed the young Princess in astonishment. "Fancy young you my stepmother!" and she burst out into a merry laugh. The next moment she was falling headlong down the marble stairway, and then lay quite still, bruised and bleeding. In the stillness that ensued--for the music had stopped--Countess Spinx flew upstairs, where she was confronted by Princess Christobel, who pushed roughly past her and hurried down to her sister's side. Her screams for help brought people running from every side. The injured girl, still unconscious, was quickly borne to her apartments, and the Court physicians surrounded her. All sorts of rumours were set afloat in the Castle, but all that was gathered for certain by the company, as they dispersed, was that Princess Veronica slipped on the marble stair owing to her new high-heeled shoes--that the sweet face was strapped and bandaged, for it was all cut and bruised, that the nose was broken, and her beauty spoilt for ever. Prince Olivin was half wild with grief, and poor King Jorum was shedding tears all alone in his study when Christobel sought admittance. Her face was set and stern, and the sight of his weakness didn't unnerve her as she said bluntly-- "Father, Veronica did not slip on the stair--she was purposely and viciously thrown down." "Eh, _what_?" exclaimed the King, staring at her. "Are you taking leave of your senses? There's not a soul who would hurt my pretty darling. You have enemies. She has none." "_She_ was happy. Others were not. Countess Spinx was in a fury of disappointment at not being chosen Queen. She flung poor Veronica down in spite and malice. I saw her do it." The King bounded up. "Summon the Countess!" he cried. Before her Christobel repeated her accusation, and Countess Spinx tried to assert she only put out her arms to save the unfortunate Princess from slipping. Further questioned, she got confused, contradicted herself, and finally sunk on her knees and prayed for mercy.