"Not vision, cousin Hans," she said, shaking her head and shrugging her shoulders till the million facets of her jewels gleamed with iridescent lustre. "Only flesh and blood—and rather frightened flesh too. I was beginning to fear for you. What has happened?"
"All is going splendidly," I said; but I could not keep my eyes from her. "You are a Queen indeed," I added. "If all Queens were like you, royalty would have no enemies. You will make a profound impression to-night."
"I am satisfied if you are pleased," she answered. "But I am afraid of to-night's work, Hans," she added, with a slight, movement of alarm, like a passing chill of fear. "I shall be glad when it is over, and we are all safe back here."
"If all goes well, you will sleep in the palace to-night as Queen-elect of Bavaria—the Queen of us all."
"No, no; I don't wish that. I wish to be here among my friends. I feel safe here; I should be frightened there."
"Your friends will be with you there also. You do not think we should desert you; by to-morrow your friends will have multiplied to half a nation."
"But my enemies—what of them? That is my fear."
"I hold the hostage that will silence them, and——But trust me and all will be well, better, I hope, than you can think. We have played a hazardous game, I know; but I have just heard that the move which must decide it in our favor has been made successfully."
"I wish I could feel your enthusiasm," she said, rather sadly.
"I have you to enthuse me," I cried. "And for your sake——"