The Princess' party drove off. The tall negro, who was sitting behind the carriage, gazed back for a long time. Sonnenkamp was much out of temper, and said to Pranken that this visit from the Prince had taken an incomprehensible turn, which he could not understand; he was unused to such things. It was clear that it had left him in most decided ill-humor.
When they returned to the villa. Manna went to Eric and said,—
"The Prince left a special message for you with your mother, and you are to remember that you were his comrade in boyhood."
Eric answered with frank cordiality:—
"The only gratifying circumstance about the Prince's gracious message, Fräulein Manna, is, that you bring it to me."
All looked surprised at this friendly dialogue between Eric and Manna. Pranken ground his teeth, and clenched his fists at the ready audacity of the tutor.
"Where have you been?" asked Sonnenkamp, in a tone of reproof.
"I have been talking with the Prince's servant."
Sonnenkamp gave him a peculiar look, and then went to his green-house.
Pranken announced that he must now take his departure; he evidently expected Manna to raise some opposition, but she said nothing. So he rode off, leaving a strange feeling of disturbance behind him at the villa.