think so, too. I am not especially sensitive concerning myself, but
whoever dares"--here she raised her voice--"to harm one whom I--Just
listen to the cheers! How she carries all hearts with her! Though Fate
had made her a beggar, she would still be peerless among women. She is
like the sun. The clouds which intrude upon her pathway of radiance are
consumed and disappear."

While uttering the last sentence she had turned towards Barine, whose ear
the sharp voice again pierced like a thorn, as she commanded her to
prepare for the examination.

Almost at the same moment the door, caught by the wind, closed with a
loud bang. The "introducer"--[Marshal of the court.]--had opened it,
and, after a hasty glance, exclaimed:

"The audience will not be given in this meeting place for all the winds
of heaven! Her Majesty desires to receive her late visitor in the Hall
of Shells."

With these words he bowed courteously to Barine, and ushered her and her
two companions through several corridors and apartments into a well-
heated anteroom.

Here even the windows were thoroughly protected from the storm. Several
body-guards and pages belonging to the corps of the "royal boys" stood
waiting to receive them.

"This is comfortable." said Alexas, turning to Iras. "Was the winter we
have just experienced intended to fill us with twofold gratitude for the
delights of the mild spring in this blessed room?"