The Princess smiled rather scornfully.
“I dare say you are right, my dear Chancellor. However, I am glad to think that the responsibility no longer rests on my shoulders. Think the matter over, and come to me again.”
Von Sigismark took the implied dismissal, and bowed himself out with every demonstration of respect.
“So much for the father,” murmured the Princess to herself. “Now for the daughter.”
She was about to address Gertrude aloud, when the page rapped at the door and announced that Karl Fink was in attendance.
Hermengarde’s eyes lit up with satisfaction.
“Let him come in at once,” she commanded. “Gertrude, I should like you to hear what this young man has to say.”
And the next minute the young forester in the green livery stood before them.
CHAPTER IV
A DOUBLE TRAITOR
Karl Fink was a familiar figure at the Castle. He was a favourite with the young King, who had chosen him from among the other foresters to be his regular attendant, and had lodged him in the royal quarter of the Castle. This Gertrude knew, but neither she nor Hermengarde was aware of a certain episode in the young forester’s early life which might not be without its effect on the future.