"His Excellency is probably reading her a lecture upon the undiplomatic remark of a short time since."
"Did you also hear it?" asked Egon quickly.
"Yes; I stood in the door."
"Well, I do not in the least begrudge our most gracious one the lesson. Naturally she was beside herself about it, but do you really believe that the Ambassador---- Hush! there he is himself."
It was, indeed, the Ambassador before them, just returning from the tower room. An encounter now could not be avoided, and the young Prince, who had no idea of the existing connection, hastened to introduce his friend.
"Allow me, Your Excellency, to make good a neglect which was forced upon me that day upon the Hochberg by the disappearance of my friend. I only found him after your departure. Herr Hartmut Rojanow, Baron von Wallmoden."
The eyes of the two men met. The sharp, penetrating eyes of the one met the expression of challenging defiance in the other, but Wallmoden would not have been the finished diplomat he was if he were not equal to the present moment.
His greeting was cool but polite, only he turned to the Prince alone with his answer, regretting not being able to chat with the gentlemen, since he was called to the Duke.
The whole meeting had lasted but two minutes, but it had taken place.
"His Excellency is more taciturn to-day than usual," remarked Egon, walking on. "Whenever I see this cold, diplomatic face before me I have a chill, and feel a pressing desire to seek warmer zones."