“Yes, indeed.  ’T is impossible to behave more meanly than the Marshal’s lady.  The woman must be a fury.  My gracious Lord, save me from destruction.”

“Where is the Duke?” asked Philip.

“The page told me he started up on hearing the story, and said, ’I will go to the King.’  And if he tells the story to the King in his own way—­”

“Is the King here, then?”

“Oh, yes, he is at play in the next room, with the Archbishop and the Minister of Police.”

Philip walked with long steps through the boudoir.  The case required consideration.

“Your Royal Highness,” said the negro, “protect me.  Your own honor is at stake.  You can easily make all straight; otherwise, I am ready at the first intimation of danger to fly across the border.  I will pack up, and to-morrow I shall expect your last commands as to my future behavior.”

With these words the negro took his leave.

VI.

“It is high time I were a watchman again,” thought Philip.  “I am getting both myself and my substitute into scrapes he will find it hard to get out of—­and this makes the difference between a peasant and a prince.  One is no better off than the other.  Good heavens! what stupid things these court lords are doing which we do not dream of with our lanterns and staff in hand, or when at the spade.  We think they lead the lives of angels, without sin or care.  Pretty piece of business!  Within a quarter of an hour I have heard of more rascally tricks than I ever played in my whole life.  And—­” but his reverie was interrupted by a whisper.

“So lonely, Prince!  I consider myself happy in having a minute’s conversation with your Royal Highness.”

Philip looked at the speaker; and he was a miner, covered over with gold and jewels.

“But one instant,” said the mask.  “The business is pressing, and deeply concerns you.”

“Who are you?” inquired Philip.

“Count Bodenlos, the Minister of Finance, at your Highness’s service,” answered the miner, and showed his face, which looked as if it were a second mask, with its little eyes and copper-colored nose.

“Well, then, my lord, what are your commands?”

“May I speak openly?  I waited on your Royal Highness thrice, and was never admitted to the honor of an audience; and yet—­Heaven is my witness—­no man in all this court has a deeper interest in your Royal Highness than I have.”

“I am greatly obliged to you,” replied Philip; “what is your business just now?  But be quick.”

“May I venture to speak of the house of Abraham Levi?”

“As much as you like.”

“They have applied to me about the fifty thousand dollars which you owe them, and threaten to apply to the King.  And you remember your promise to his Majesty, when last he paid your debts.”

“Can’t the people wait?” asked Philip.