"Ah, so? The son will probably know how to keep the inheritance. It is really astonishing what the energy of a single man can do in these days, and it is so much more praiseworthy if he, like the father of our dear Baroness, has come from humble circles. At least I believe I have heard so, or am I mistaken?"
Princess Sophie knew very well that these remarks about the origin of his father-in-law were unpleasant to the Ambassador, a man of old Prussian nobility, and it caused her great satisfaction that the surrounding circle did not lose a word of the conversation, which was intended principally to humble the lady of burgher descent.
But she was mistaken if she counted upon the Baroness falling into embarrassment or evasion. Instead of that she drew herself up in all her pride.
"Your Highness is quite correctly informed. My father came to the Capital a poor boy without means. He had to struggle hard, and worked for years as a humble laborer, before he laid the foundation to his later enterprises."
"How proudly Frau von Wallmoden says that!" cried the Princess, smiling. "Oh, I love this filial attachment above everything. So Herr Stahlberg--or perhaps von Stahlberg?--the large manufacturers often bear a title----"
"My father did not bear it, Your Highness," replied Adelaide, meeting the glance of the royal lady calmly and openly. "A title had indeed been offered him, but he refused it."
The Ambassador pressed his thin lips together. He could but find the remark of his wife very undiplomatic. The features of the Princess assumed an angry expression, and she returned with biting sarcasm: "Well, then, it is a good thing that this aversion has not descended to the daughter. His Excellency will know how to value it. I beg your escort, Egon. I should like to look for my brother."
She bowed to the circle and glided away on the arm of the Prince, whose bearing plainly said:
"Now comes my turn."
He was not mistaken. Her Highness had no thought of finding the Duke, but took a seat in the adjoining room with her young relative, whom she wished to have to herself.