And now and then James, the little servant, came in and went out, sedate and smug, but with a quiet satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.

He had made a story for a pastime, and it was being translated into history.

He at least would bear his part in it unflinchingly.
Before now the queen had left us, persuaded to lie down and try to rest till the matter should be settled.

Stilled by Rudolf's gentle rebuke, she had urged him no more in words, but there was an entreaty in her eyes stronger than any spoken prayer, and a piteousness in the lingering of her hand in his harder to resist than ten thousand sad petitions.
At last he had led her from the room and commended her to Helga's care.
Then, returning to us, he stood silent a little while.

We also were silent, Sapt sitting and looking up at him with his brows knit and his teeth restlessly chewing the moustache on his lip.
"Well, lad ?" he said at last, briefly putting the great question.