“The very reason why I repeated it to you,” retorted the wit. “I know that with you it will go no further. Good morning, Chancellor.”
The Minister included both young men in a sombre recognition. Then he turned to his daughter.
“Is the Princess well to-day?”
“Yes. Shall I let her know you are here?”
“Presently. I want a word with you first.”
Von Stahlen and his companion took the hint.
“Will you excuse us, Lady Gertrude?” said the Count, with laboured courtesy. “Von Hardenburg and I have an important appointment—political business. I hope, Chancellor, you will not think that you have driven us away.”
And, preserving a smile of bland innocence, he retired, his henchman walking after him with ill-suppressed delight.
The old Chancellor followed them to the door with a scowl.
“These young fools are growing unbearable,” he remarked severely. “You should not encourage them so much. They can do you no good. Von Stahlen has nearly run through his inheritance, and the other never had any inheritance to run through.”