"It may indeed be an adventure, and an act of justice too."
"I expected nothing so good when I came over the frontier this 268 morning. You can guess what brought me to my little den in the Niederwald at this particular time. It was not for hunting. But, though my mind is full of certain grave affairs, I trust I have still the instinct of a sportsman."
"I am sure of that. Especially when your birds and mine can be killed with one shot."
"Chancellor, you interest me more and more."
The old man smiled gratitude, but under the bristling brows glowed a light like the last embers in a dying fire. "Upstairs," said he abruptly, "is a pretty woman. She says her name is Mary de Courcy, though there are some of us who know better. Her love affairs threaten a public scandal."
"Ah, the lady of whom all Rhaetia talks is under the same roof with me!" exclaimed the young man, with slightly heightened colour.
"To you, more than to any other, I can speak freely of our danger," said the Chancellor. "This girl has driven the Emperor into a fit of moon-madness. Heaven grant it may soon pass; and blessed would be the 269 man who brought my poor master to his senses. If you would, Prince, you might be that man. The sword of justice is ready for your hand."
"That sentence has a solemn ring. I know what I came here to do. But you seem to be preparing a different programme. Tell me, what sort of woman is this who has bewitched your grave Maximilian?"
"She is beautiful and clever, as women are clever; but not clever enough to fight her battle out against you and me."
"Me? I do not fight with women; I make love to them."