"So? It is probably because you fell into disgrace yesterday. It is not your usual way to run off where the entertainment of a beautiful lady is concerned. Oh, I know all about it. Her Excellency has given you a lecture over your loving tirades against Germany, and the spoiled favorite has been offended. Why, one could afford to be told the truth by such lips."
"You seem to be quite transported," sneered Hartmut. "Beware lest the husband be not jealous in spite of his years."
"It is a strange couple," said Egon musingly, as if lost in thought; "that old diplomat, with his gray hair and immovable face, and his young wife with her brilliant beauty like----"
"An aurora which rises from a sea of ice. It is only a question of which stood furthest below zero."
The young Prince laughed heartily. "Very poetical and very malicious; but you are not far wrong. I have also felt something of this polar breath touching me chillingly several times; but that is my luck. Otherwise I would fall hopelessly in love with the beautiful Excellency. But I think it is time for us to leave, nicht wahr?"
He went to the door to call the groom. Hartmut following, threw one more glance out to where, through an opening in the forest, the Ambassador's carriage was again visible, and his hands clinched involuntarily.
"We shall speak yet, Herr Wallmoden," he muttered. "I shall remain now. He shall not think that I fly from his presence. I shall allow Egon to present me at court, and exert my utmost to make my work a success. We shall see then if he dares treat me like a first-class adventurer. He shall pay for that tone and look!"
CHAPTER XVIII.
Everything at Furstenstein was in a state of preparation for the arrival of the Court. Their stay was to be of longer duration than for a short hunting expedition; they were to remain several weeks, for which time the Duchess also was expected. The upper stories of the castle, with their numerous suites of rooms, were being aired and put in order. A portion of the court officials and servants had already arrived. Extensive and festive preparations were also being made in Waldhofen, through which the Court was to pass on its way to the castle.
Wallmoden's stay, which, under ordinary circumstances, would have been short, was prolonged. The Duke, who was pleased to distinguish the Ambassador in every way, had heard of his attending a family fête at Furstenstein, and had expressed a wish to find him and his wife still there. The invitation was equivalent to a command which had to be obeyed.