"Perhaps two weeks. I have not much time at my disposal, and am Willibald's guardian really only in name, since the diplomatic service keeps me mostly in foreign countries. In fact, the guardianship rests in the hands of my sister, who rules everything, anyhow."
"Yes, Regine is well up to her position," assented Falkenried. "She rules the large estates and numerous people like a man."
"And issues commands from morning to night like a sergeant," completed Wallmoden. "With all due appreciation for her excellent qualities, I always feel a slight rising of the hair at the prospect of a visit to Burgsdorf, and I return from there regularly with shattered nerves. Real primitive conditions rule in that place. Willibald is actually a young bear, but the ideal of his mother for all that. She does her best to raise him an ignorant young country squire. All interposition is of no use, for he has every inclination for it, anyway."
The entrance of a servant interrupted them. He handed a card to Falkenried, which the latter glanced at hastily.
"Herr Egern, Solicitor. Very well, show the gentleman in."
"Have you a business engagement?" asked Wallmoden, rising. "I will not disturb you."
"On the contrary, I beg you to remain. I have been advised of this visit, and know what will be discussed. It concerns----"
He did not conclude, for the door opened and the one announced entered.
He seemed surprised not to find the officer alone, as he had expected, but the latter took no notice of the surprise.
"Herr Egern, Solicitor--Herr von Wallmoden, Secretary of the Ambassador."