Nino called softly to the man with the mules to wait in the shadow, and Temistocle knocked at the door.

The key ground in the lock from within, but the hands that held it seemed weak.

Nino's heart beat fast.
"Temistocle!" cried Hedwig's trembling voice.
"What is the matter, your excellency ?" asked the servant through the keyhole, not forgetting his manners.
"Oh, I cannot turn the key! What _shall_ I do ?" Nino heard, and pushed the servant aside.
"Courage, my dear lady," he said, aloud, that she might know his voice.

Hedwig appeared to make a frantic effort, and a little sound of pain escaped her as she hurt her hands.
"Oh, what _shall_ I do!" she cried, piteously.

"I locked it last night, and now I cannot turn the key!" Nino pressed with all his weight against the door.