Alice was beginning to feel a little worried.
'Just about as much right,' said the Duchess, who seemed ready to agree to everything that was said, and went by without noticing her. Then followed the Knave of Hearts, carrying the jewel with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs and locked it again. Then I started to go round the house to see that all was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after what I may call a really hard day's work."
"A day which has saved England from a great public scandal would be caused if any harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be all right.
"'In the case of the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter up," said he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, I am to do it in the name of the Count Von Kramm."
"Then I shall certainly do as you advise."
"Do not lose an instant. And, above all, do not search for me, for it will be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.'