The governor nodded and gave the required directions. Shortly afterwards the Minister bade him a friendly good night and strolled away.
CHAPTER XIV
HERR MORITZ’S PLAN
The intelligence of Maximilian’s mysterious departure had fallen like a bombshell upon the conference between the Princess Hermengarde and Von Sigismark.
Striving to command her secret thoughts, the Princess, with a nod, dismissed her henchman Karl, and turned an inquiring look upon the old Count.
Interpreting this as an invitation, the Count, who was unable to wholly hide his consternation, returned slowly to his chair. He sat down, and for some moments scrutinised the countenance of his royal ally. But it was in vain that he sought to read anything in that stern and composed face.
At length he was obliged to break silence.
“This is a new development, Madam. I confess I was not prepared for it. When I left the King an hour or two ago, he had accepted a proposal on the part of Herr Moritz and myself to hold an inquiry into the alleged grievances of the people, and he seemed content to wait for the result before taking any further steps.”
“Herr Moritz? Is he still in the Castle?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
The Chancellor replied with reluctance. He did not wish his subordinate introduced into the intrigue of which Hermengarde was the centre.