The sweat passed down his face.

Yet no swift step was taken, nor was the curtain torn aside.
For within the room the magistrate, a kindly citizen of Innspruck who had no liking for this addition to his duties, stood gazing at the Princess-mother with a respectful pity.

It was the sight of her tear-stained face which had checked his words.

For two days Clementina had kept her bed, and the mother's tears alarmed him.
"Her Highness, your daughter, suffers so much ?" said he.
"Sir, it is little to be wondered at." The magistrate bowed.

That question was not one with which he had a mind to meddle.
"She still lies in bed ?" said he, and he crossed to the door.