The thundering reveille rang through the
house, making it shake to its centre, and hurriedly brought to
the door, the anatomy who acted as guardian-angel of the
establishment.
"La Masque is not at home, and I cannot admit you," was his sharp
salute.
"Then I shall just take the trouble of admitting myself," said
Sir Norman, shortly.
And without further ceremony, he pushed aside the skeleton and
entered. But that outraged servitor sprang in his path,
indignant and amazed.
"No, sir; I cannot permit it. I do not know you; and it is
against all orders to admit strangers in La Masque's absence."
"Bah! you old simpleton!" remarked Sir Norman, losing his
customary respect for old age in his impatience, "I have La
Masque's order for what I am about to do. Get along with you
directly, will you? Show me to her private room, and no
nonsense!"
He tapped his sword-hilt significantly as he spoke, and that
argument proved irresistible. Grumbling, in low tones, the
anatomy stalked up-stairs; and the other followed, with very
different feelings from those with which he had mounted that
staircase last. His guide paused in the hall above, with his
hand on the latch of a door.
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