noon
His departure was unnoticed , though as a rule the King 's private physician commanded some attention , not only by reason of his confidential post in the Royal household , but also on account of certain rumours which were circulated through the country concerning his wonderful skill in effecting complete cures where all hope of recovery had been abandoned . It was whispered , indeed , that he had discovered the ` Elixir of Life , ' but that he would not allow its properties to be made known , lest as the Scripture saith , man should ` take and eat and live for ever . ' It was not advisable -- so the Professor was reported to have said -- that all men should live for ever , -- but only a chosen few ; and he , at present , was apparently the privileged person who alone was fitted to make the selection of those few . For this and various other reasons , he was generally looked at with considerable interest , but this morning , owing to the hurried preparations for the embarking of their Majesties on board the Royal yacht , he managed to escape from even chance recognition , -- and he was well over the sea , and more than half-way to his destination before the bells of the city struck noon . Punctual to that hour , a close carriage drove up to the palace . It contained no less a personage than the Prime Minister , the Marquis de Lutera , -- a dark , heavy man , with small furtive eyes , a ponderous jaw , and a curious air of seeming for ever on an irritable watch for offences . His aspect was intellectual , yet always threatening ; and his frigid manner was profoundly discouraging to all who sought to win his attention or sympathy .