“You shall be obeyed, Madam,” replied the Count. And he kept his word.
Secure in her son’s accession, Hermengarde now thought the time was come to throw off the mask she had worn so long.
“There is another consequence of this event which your loyalty will no doubt be quick to recognise,” she said.
The Chancellor bowed, as one who knew what was coming.
“I refer of course to my son’s marriage. As King of Franconia, this is now a matter which has passed out of our hands, and we must be prepared to sacrifice our private wishes to the interests of the State.”
“Quite so, Madam. I anticipated that you would be compelled to take this view, and it does not find me unprepared. I may before long have the honour of soliciting your Royal Highness’s favour for a marriage between my daughter and Herr Moritz.”
“I shall be much gratified to be present at it,” replied Hermengarde. “I have some reason to hope, I may tell you privately, that the Kaiser may be induced to bestow one of his sisters on the King.”
Used as he was to Court duplicity, the Count could not repress a slight grimace at this cool intimation.
“An admirable arrangement,” he said, preparing to withdraw; “but, as you have said, Madam, this matter has now passed out of our hands.”
As soon as he was gone Hermengarde rose, and proceeded to seek out her son in his own rooms. At the door of the sleeping-room she was stopped by an attendant, who said—