In a single glance Nathaniel swept the room and what he saw thrilled him, for everywhere were signs of Marion; in the pictures on the walls, the snowy curtains, the cushions in the window-seat--and the huge vase of lilacs on the mantle.
"I am a messenger of the king," he said, advancing and closing the door behind him.

"I want to speak with Marion." "Strang--the king!" cried the old man, clutching the knob of his cane with both hands.

"She has gone!" "Gone!" exclaimed Nathaniel.

For an instant his heart bounded with delight.

Marion was on her way to the tryst! He sprang back to the door.