She knew, too, exactly where the catch in the panelling was which would let her into the room.
Now, as she pressed it very gently and the panelling began to swing open, she heard a man’s voice say,
“Is there anything else you require, sir?”
“No, thank you,” another man replied, who she was sure was the King. “I have some State papers to read and after that I shall go to bed.”
“State papers are often long-winded and incomprehensible and you have a long day ahead of Your Majesty tomorrow.”
“I am aware of that,” the King replied, “but I promise you I will not bore myself more than is absolutely necessary.”
They both laughed and the man who had spoken first said,
“Goodnight, sir. It’s very quiet here, so I don’t think you will be disturbed.”
There was the sound of a door shutting and t
