The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900 ... - Gredos

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
"The fellow cannot have entered in that way, your Royal Highness," he said; “the door
is locked, and the key is in your Royal Highness’ pocket. You will remember, sir,
having playfully locked and taken possession of it when Miss Charnock — I beg the
lady's pardon — Mrs. Whatever-her-name-may-be, was for leaving us some time ago."
The Prince looked suddenly disconcerted. Drawing the key from his pocket he handed it
to the gallant captain, and desired him haughtily to unfasten the door at once; then,
turning to Simon, he said in an altered tone:—
“Then pray, sir, how did you get in?"
"I came in," said Simon, "by that door," pointing to the one through which he had
passed. “I made my way hither by what I take to be a private passage. Your servants are
not to blame, sir."
The Prince did not speak for a moment; his anger had apparently left him, but not his
discomposure, which indeed seemed rather to increase.
The wrath of his obsequious adherents waxed loud. The affair must be looked into,
announced one. 'Twas house-breaking, no less — the fellow must be secured. 'Twas a
plot, a devilish plot —his Royal Highness' life might possibly be in danger.
"No, no," cried their master peevishly. "I know well enough who is at the bottom of
this; I understand how you came hither, young man. And now, since you have done
your business, have the kindness to relieve me of your presence. Ring the bell there —
how often must I speak?"
There had been meanwhile much hurrying to and fro without, and several servants had
already entered the room, though his Royal Highness was unconscious of the fact. One
of them now respectfully announced his presence.
[390]
"Oh, you are there, eh?" said the Prince irritably. "Take this person downstairs. Let him
go, I say," he added, raising his voice, as his too officious friends were about to make
some protest, “I will have no scenes here — let him depart at once."
"And the lady, sir?" put in an obsequious voice; "shall the lady go too?"
He rolled his heavy eyes towards her: —
"She may go," he said in a dull voice, "if she goes willingly."