It was scarcely necessary, for the doors into the dining-hall were just opened, and the room adjoining the tower-chamber was deserted.
"I am surprised to see you here," began the ambassador, in the subdued, but severely cold tone which he had used the day of their first meeting at Hochberg, and it brought the blood to the younger man's brow to-day, as it had done then. He straightened himself proudly as he answered:
"And why, your Excellency?"
"That question is superfluous; in any case I did not imagine that I should be forced into the position of being presented to you by Prince Adelsberg."
"It was I who was forced," answered Hartmut, sharply and promptly. "I do not suppose you consider me an intruder? You know full well that I have a right to be here."
"Hartmut von Falkenried certainly had a right—but all that is changed."
"Herr von Wallmoden!"
"Pardon me, but not so loud," interrupted the ambassador. "We can be heard here easily, and you would certainly not like strange ears to hear the name which I have just spoken."
"I am bearing my mother's name at present, to which I have certainly a right. When I laid aside the other, it was out of respect—"
"To your father," interrupted Wallmoden, impressively.