“Then may I take it that you are prepared to sanction such steps as may be deemed necessary?” inquired the Princess, striving not to betray her agitation.
“Whatever the Privy Council of Franconia decides upon will receive my sanction,” was the guarded answer. “I will consult further with my Chancellor and with the Count von Sigismark as to the proper course to be pursued, and cause a communication to be made to you.”
The Princess was compelled to be satisfied with this. She murmured her thanks, and the Kaiser rose, and walking down the ball-room, met Maximilian near the entrance.
“Where is your kinsman, the Count von Eisenheim?” he asked. “How is it that I do not see him here?”
“He received an invitation,” replied the King, abstractedly, “but declined it on the plea of ill health. He has not been to Court for very many years.”
“Indeed. Where does he live?”
“At the Castle of Eisenheim. You will pass it on your way back to Berlin.”
“Ah! Come out with me into the grounds. I should like to see the illuminations.”
And he drew the King away.