He started at sight of Hartmut, and for a moment seemed undecided. Then he said, half audibly: "Herr Rojanow."
"Your Excellency."
"I should like to speak to you privately."
"I am at your service."
Wallmoden entered, but took up his position so as to keep the entrance in view. It was hardly necessary, for the doors of the dining room had just been thrown open, and the whole assembly floated there. The salon adjoining the tower room was already empty.
"I am surprised to see you here," the Ambassador began in suppressed tones, but with the same insulting coldness which he had shown at the first meeting, and which brought the blood to the young man's brow. He drew himself up threateningly.
"Why, Your Excellency?"
"The question is superfluous. At any rate, I request you not to again force me into the position I was brought into a short while ago, when Prince Adelsberg introduced you to me."
"The forced position was mine," returned Hartmut, just as sharply. "I will not assert that you consider me an intruder here, for you, best of all, know that I have a right to this intercourse."
"Hartmut von Falkenried would have had a right, of course; but that has changed."