XVII. YOUNG RUPERT AND THE PLAY-ACTOR
XVIII. THE TRIUMPH OF THE KING
XIX. FOR OUR LOVE AND HER HONOR
XX. THE DECISION OF HEAVEN
XXI. THE COMING OF THE DREAM



CHAPTER I. THE QUEEN'S GOOD-BY

A man who has lived in the world, marking how every act, although
in itself perhaps light and insignificant, may become the source
of consequences that spread far and wide, and flow for years or
centuries, could scarcely feel secure in reckoning that with the
death of the Duke of Strelsau and the restoration of King Rudolf
to liberty and his throne, there would end, for good and all, the
troubles born of Black Michael's daring conspiracy. The stakes
had been high, the struggle keen; the edge of passion had been
sharpened, and the seeds of enmity sown. Yet Michael, having
struck for the crown, had paid for the blow with his life: should
there not then be an end? Michael was dead, the Princess her
cousin's wife, the story in safe keeping, and Mr. Rassendyll's
face seen no more in Ruritania. Should there not then be an end?
So said I to my friend the Constable of Zenda, as we talked by
the bedside of Marshal Strakencz. The old man, already nearing
the death that soon after robbed us of his aid and counsel, bowed
his head in assent: in the aged and ailing the love of peace
breeds hope of it. But Colonel Sapt tugged at his gray moustache,
and twisted his black cigar in his mouth, saying, "You're very
sanguine, friend Fritz. But is Rupert of Hentzau dead? I had not