“What does this mean? What is she aiming at now? Curse the woman!” He turned round to his colleague. “Here, Moritz, you ought to know my daughter’s news.” And he repeated what Gertrude had told him.
Moritz looked grave.
“I should look into this without delay, if I were you,” he said anxiously. “You had better have an interview with the Princess, and try to obtain an explanation. Does the King know of this?” he added, turning to Gertrude.
“I believe not. In fact, I am sure. Her arrival was kept quite secret; and the Princess has let very few people see her up to the present.”
Moritz turned to his patron.
“You see, sir, this paves the way for you. You can appear to be acting on behalf of the King.”
“I think you are right. Shall I find the Princess in her apartments now?”
“Yes,” answered Gertrude.
“Then I will go there at once. And you wait here till I return, Moritz.” And he hurried away.
He had not bidden Gertrude to remain behind as well; but she did.