Her Royal Lover: A Novel — page 238: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

230 HER ROYAL LOVER, chamber, Monsieur de Brandt went to seek an offi- cer of the guard, and addressing some words to him in a low tone, he hastily departed to find his majesty. By one of those ironies which continually cross each other in life, the apartment in which Monsieur de Brandt had introduced Najeska Ivanowna was precisely one of these little boudoirs that the poor late queen had had arranged for her convenience. During the last years of her life the queen had be- come so feeble that it was impossible for her on re- turning from her rides, to immediately gain her apartments; it had been necessary for her before undertaking this long journey to enjoy a certain re- pose. It was here, then, that she had retired. All here breathed of luxury. Upon animmense couch, a magnificent white bear’s skin of the greatest value was negligently thrown. Although the Court of Thessaly was not rich, Queen Aline, reared too early to a love of self, had known how to surround herself with a thousand trifles that her refined and artistic taste grouped in a truly harmonious whole. Najeska Ivanowna examined each object with profound attention; suddenly, a noise imperceptible to any but herself is heard; it draws insensibly nearer. This noise, that of precipitate muffled steps, makes her heart beat; she waits. A gentle rap and a beloved voice, that of her king, of her master, of her present husband, softly murmurs: “It is [!—open.” She turns the key; at first she only perceives Monsieur de Brandt who, like a vigilant sentinel, walks to and fro before the door of the large saloon opposite; but, under the heavy plush portiere a man glides; it 1s he, it is the king, all trembling with love, The door is discreetly closed, At last they Gomicbooks..¢o ny