The Chancellor came in directly afterwards. He found the Princess in her most haughty mood.
“You have heard of my nephew’s sad fate,” she said briefly, “and you are no doubt making all the necessary arrangements for the proclamation of my son.”
“I am, Madam.”
“While I remember it, I desire you will at once make out a full and complete pardon for Johann Mark. I have ordered him to be set at liberty.”
The Chancellor ventured to remonstrate.
“Are you aware, Madam, of the serious character of this man?”
“Yes, sir, I am. But I have found a remedy for all that. He is now my very good friend.”
Still the Chancellor faintly objected. He could not so soon forego his vengeance on the man who had done so much to thwart him.
“Your Royal Highness bears in mind the consequences of the unhappy event which has just taken place. There will have to be—of course as a matter of form—a fresh appointment in regard to the Regency.”
“Of course, and in regard to the Chancellorship too, I presume,” retorted Hermengarde, sharply. “In the mean time, we both hold our offices, and if it is my last act as Regent and your last act as Chancellor, I order you to make out this pardon.”