CHAPTER XXIX
COUNT VON RUDLOFF
The effect of my announcement was supreme. I myself was deeply affected, and in the moments of critical silence during which the Emperor and his old confidential adviser stood gazing at me I could not raise my head to meet their looks.
The Kaiser was the first to speak.
"You have amazed me. I know you now, but I did not. What was the meaning of your pretended death? Rise, I do not wish you to kneel to me."
There seemed a little hope in the last sentence. I got up slowly.
"It was not premeditated, sire. I gave my word to Count von Augener here—"
"Stay," interposed the Kaiser quickly, turning a frowning face to his adviser. "What is this?"
"I should prefer to discuss these matters in private with your Majesty," was the answer, not without what appeared to me to be some anxiety.