Back of the end wall
runs a gallery where guests sat to listen to the speeches. It is
there, now--and the tapestries, with which the walls are hung,
completely hide it."
"It can be reached from the floor above?" I asked.
"Yes, Your Highness; a narrow stairway admits to it."
"Can we enter without being overheard by those in the room below?"
"Very readily, sir; the gallery was so designed that its noises would
not disturb those in the dining-room."
"We are in good luck, Bernheim," I said.
"We shall need all of it, sir, with eight spectators."
And he was right. It was foolish to risk success for only a
sentimental reason. I knew, perfectly well, the proper course was for
no one but the King and myself to be in the gallery; yet, there entered
my Dalberg stubbornness. I purposed that some of those, who had seen
me accused that night on the Hanging Garden, should see me exculpated
to-night.
It may be, that some will question the propriety of my action, and the
good taste of those who were my guests. As to the latter, it must be
borne in mind that my invitation was in the nature of a command, which
it would have been vastly discourteous to decline. And, besides, they
were my friends.
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