Gretchen laughed out. "Is that a reason for suspecting them? Perhaps they had no money to pay the post."
"I beg your pardon, Fräulein. They had even money enough for a private post-chaise, for they had passed me in one previously; but at the last station they left the carriage, and made all sorts of the most minute inquiries about Wilicza. They declined the proffered guide, and continued their journey on foot, avoiding the main road, and striking off straight across the fields. They could give no account of themselves to the post-master. I, unfortunately, did not reach the station until after they had left it, and as dusk was coming on apace, all further investigations were at an end for to-day; but to-morrow I intend to set about them in earnest. The two men must still be lurking somewhere in the neighbourhood."
"Perhaps over there, even," said Gretchen, pointing in the direction of the Castle, with its long rows of illuminated windows shining across through the darkness. "There is a great meeting of conspirators this evening at the Princess's."
The Assessor started up. "Meeting of conspirators? How? Do you know it for a certainty? I will surprise them, I will ..."
The steward pushed him laughingly down into his seat again. "Don't let yourself be taken in. It is only an absurd notion of the girl's own, nothing more."
"But, papa, you yourself said not long ago that there are good and special reasons for all the gaieties which are going on at the Castle," interposed Gretchen.
"I certainly am of that opinion. Much as the Princess may love show and splendour, I am convinced that at a time like the present she can have no real heart for such festive doings. These great hunting parties and balls are the simplest, the most convenient pretext for calling all Wilicza together without exciting surprise or remark. They dine and dance, no doubt. Appearances have to be kept up--but most of the guests remain all night at the Castle, and that which goes on when the great chandeliers are put out is perhaps of not quite so innocent a nature."
The Assessor listened breathlessly to a discussion which for him was fraught with the profoundest interest. Unfortunately it was interrupted at this point, the steward's attention being called off. News was brought him that his own very valuable riding horse had been seized by an attack of illness which seemed likely to take a serious turn. Frank went himself to look after the animal, leaving the two young people alone.
Fräulein Margaret was evidently put out by this unexpected tête-à-tête with the Assessor, to whom, on the other hand, it appeared highly acceptable. He twisted his moustaches, passed his white hands through his carefully curled hair, and resolved upon making the most of so favourable an opportunity.
"Herr Frank has been telling me that he intends to give up his post here," he began. "The thought that he and his were about leaving Wilicza would, under other circumstances, have been a heavy blow to me--would have come upon me, so to speak, like a thunderclap; but as I myself am not likely to remain very long in L---- ..."