Hartmut did not answer; he seemed to be looking through the glass for some distant point.
"Where is Furstenstein? Ah, there. It seems to be an enormous old structure."
"Yes, the castle is worth seeing," assented Prince Adelsberg. "But, outside of that, you were wise to remain at home the other day; I was bored to death by the visit."
"So? You seemed to think a great deal of the Chief Forester."
"Certainly, I like to chat with him; but he had driven out and returned only just before I left. His son is not at Furstenstein. He is studying at the school for foresters, so I had to wait upon Fraulein von Schonan; but that pleasure was not exactly interesting. A word every five minutes and a minute to every word. Very many domestic virtues, but very little behind the forehead. I kept the conversation going by the sweat of my brow, and then had the honor of meeting the betrothed of the Baroness--a genuine, undiluted country squire, with a very energetic mamma, who has him and the future daughter-in-law under complete control. We had an exceedingly brilliant conversation, finally landing on turnip culture, in which I was thoroughly instructed. The visit was bearable only when the Chief Forester returned with his brother-in-law, the Baron Wallmoden."
Rojanow still held the glass directed upon Furstenstein, listening, apparently, indifferently. Now he repeated questioningly: "Wallmoden?"
"The new Prussian Ambassador to our court, a genuine diplomat in appearance; aristocratic, cool and buttoned up to the chin; also having very agreeable manners. Her Excellency, the Frau Baroness, was not visible, which I bore with composure, since the husband already has gray hair, and consequently the lady would probably be of an age which one approaches only with veneration."
A peculiarly bitter expression played around Hartmut's lips as he now lowered the glass.
He had kept his encounter with Frau von Wallmoden from his friend. Why mention the name? He wished to be reminded of it as little as possible.
"But our romantic forest solitude will soon be ended," continued Egon. "I heard from the Chief Forester that the court will come to Furstenstein this year for the hunting season, and I can then expect a visit from the Duke. I am not very delighted at the prospect, for my highly honored uncle has a habit of holding forth to me just as frequent and just as impressive moral sermons as Stadinger, and I must naturally keep the peace then. But I shall present you at this visit, Hartmut. You consent?"