“Herr Mark,” she said, “we have never met before, but I have reason to think you regard me as your enemy. Nevertheless I have sent for you to tell you that you are a free man. The Chancellor will be here immediately, and I shall direct him to make you out a free pardon for everything which may have been laid to your charge.”
The prisoner gazed at her in bewilderment. Was this the woman whom every one regarded as the embodiment of selfishness and unscrupulous ambition?
“Madam, I must tell you,” he said at length, “that, if you release me, I shall renew my efforts on behalf of the King.”
Hermengarde gravely shook her head.
“King Maximilian is no more. My son is now King of Franconia.”
Johann broke down, and the Princess allowed him time to recover himself, watching him soberly the while.
“I do not wonder at your emotion,” she said. “I wish that my son might have such friends.”
“But why, Madam,” asked Johann, as soon as he could speak—“why do you show me this unexpected kindness?”
“I do it at the request of your cousin Dorothea,” was the answer. “She has a deep affection for you. I do not know whether it is returned.”
“It is indeed,” was the warm response. “Ah, Madam, since you are so good as to interest yourself in Dorothea, may I entreat you to watch over her here? Her father is not fit to have charge of her.”