He first laid before him the one in which he had been notified by the marshal of the Prince's household, that it was impossible for him, as chamberlain to his Highness, to retain any connection with a man who had not only forfeited his honor, but had behaved so wrongly towards the Prince, that the question was still being agitated whether he should not be openly arraigned on a charge of high treason.
Sonnenkamp trembled, but laughed at the same time, in a way peculiar to himself.
"Let me see the letter again," said he.
He read it; then, giving it back in silence, asked what the other letter contained.
Pranken said it was yet more decided; and handed him the document of the military court of honor, calling upon him to give up all intercourse with Sonnenkamp.
"And what do you intend to do?" asked Sonnenkamp. "I release you."
"I shall stand by you," replied Pranken.
Sonnenkamp embraced him. There was a pause, a strange silence between these two men.
"I defy them all," exclaimed Pranken; "but here is another letter. It is for you," giving him the letter of the Cabinetsrath.
Sonnenkamp read it.