I had not known that, said the jester softly, and he smiled to himself.

"I asked you," said the jester, "what you had in your luggage.

"'Tis too late," said the jester bitterly, and shut down the trap-door.

"Hist!" said the jester; "hear what the Fair Geraldine has to say."

"It is a matter of importance," said the jester, in a low voice.

"Sire," said the jester, "people are lighting lamps in the street.

"There is no way out of the magic circle," said the jester inexorably.

"Very good," said the jester, and drummed thoughtfully upon the table.

"One thing is more terrible," said the jester, "it is death's brother, fear."

"Ah, Sire," said the jester, "even in your blessed reign men have died.

"Well," said the jester when he had heard all, "what shall you do?"

"Poor fellow!" said the jester, pointing to the handsome young man.

"Your Majesty is pleased to overlook Paradise," said the jester.

"He has not made you happy," said the jester persistently.

"Philip," said the jester, "or our own Royal Duke, should either accept the challenge.

"Ah," said the jester, "I thought I should win through!"