"Then listen," the Queen hastily interrupted. "In the suburb of
Prebrunn, in a large garden, stands the pretty little castle of the
Prince Prior of Berchtesgaden--I don't mean the one belonging to the
worthy Trainer, on whose preserves we hunted once in April, and which
is erroneously called here the 'cassl.' The reverend owner offered it
to his Majesty to shelter a guest of high rank. Now the marquise is
to occupy it, because country air would benefit her. The singer will
establish herself under the noblewoman's maternal care. You know the
Marquise de Leria's huge litter, which was borne here by two
strong mules that Ruy Gomez--what will not people do to find out
something?--gave her. The black ark, with the coats-of-arms of the De
Lerias and the Duke of Rency on the back, the front, and both sides, is
probably well known here. At first the boys ran after the monster;
now they are used to the thing, and no longer notice it. But it is
comfortable, and it can be opened. When the old woman uses the litter
the cover will be removed and people will see her; when it is closed,
the most sharp-sighted can not discover who is within. If his Majesty
desires to go out to Prebrunn and return here, he will take it, and,
even if his foot pains him, will reach his fair goal unseen. The young
girl consented yesterday to move there with the marquise, and directly
after it will be your duty, aided by Master Adrian, to attend to the
furnishing of the little castle. I will aid you. You will hear the
particulars from his Majesty. The marquise will take Barbara directly to
the chapel, where the choir is to sing. People must become accustomed to
see and speak of the two together. What would you think of an alliance
between Leria and Blomberg? If I see correctly, the old woman will train
the girl to be a useful tool."

"And if the tool cuts her fingers in the process," said Quijada, "I
shall be glad."

"So shall I!" assented the Queen, laughing. Then she dismissed the
major-domo, and a short time later singing was heard in the chapel.

The Emperor, after he had finished his meal, heard it also, and listened
to Barbara as if enraptured when, in Hobrecht's motet for five voices,
Salve crux arbor vitae, in the sublime O crux lignum triumphale, she
raised her voice with a power, a wealth of pious devotion which he had
never before heard in the execution of this forceful composition.

The little Maltese Hannibal again acquitted himself admi