“I do. When the Kaiser is here I shall take the opportunity of consulting him. May I ask whether you would be prepared to take a course to which he gives his sanction?”
The Count considered for a little while.
“I think I should, Madam, in certain contingencies.”
Before the Princess could say anything more, the door opposite to that by which Dr. Krauss had made his exit was dashed open, and Prince Ernest ran in, exclaiming—
“Mother, here is Cousin Max!”
The two conspirators exchanged looks of alarm, which they contrived to transmute into smiles of friendly welcome as Maximilian crossed the threshold.
He gravely saluted them, not without throwing a note of inquiry into his glance at the Chancellor, which made the Minister feel decidedly uncomfortable.
Then he turned to the Princess.
“Aunt, will you allow me to have a word with you in private?”
The Chancellor hastened to withdraw, only too pleased at the opportunity, and Ernest reluctantly followed him from the room.