"I—I cannot," said he, very low.
I let go of him, and went straight towards the steps that led up into His Majesty's room. As I reached the foot of them, he had seized my arm from behind.
"Where are you going?" he whispered sharply. "That is the way to the
King's room."
I turned and looked at him.
"Yes," I said very slowly, "I know that."
"Well—well, you cannot," he stammered.
"Then you must take me," I said.
He still stared at me as if either he or I were mad. Then, of a sudden his face changed; and he nodded. I could see how distraught he was, and unsettled.
"I will take you," he whispered, "I will take you, Mr. Mallock. For
God's sake, Mr. Mallock—"
He went up the steps before me, in his soft shoes; and I went after, as quietly as I could. As he put his hand on the handle he turned again.