And lifting her up, she sounded a gong for the page, whom she despatched with strict orders to have Johann brought before her at once.
“And now,” she said, turning to Dorothea, “I have something to say to your cousin which I do not wish you to hear. Go into my bedroom while I receive him.”
Dorothea went through a door behind the Princess, still too much moved to be able to express her gratitude in words. She had scarcely disappeared when the outer door opened and admitted Karl.
His face told the Princess all.
“Maximilian is dead?” she said.
“Yes, Madam. He threw himself out of the window of his room into the lake. His body is being dragged for by the soldiers.”
Hermengarde crossed herself.
“Go and tell the Chancellor that I desire his attendance immediately.”
The awe-struck wretch departed, and she sank down upon a seat, a prey to the most conflicting emotions.
The arrival of Johann Mark disturbed her reflections. He was accompanied by two guards, whom the Princess haughtily dismissed.