They were disturbed by a hasty tread, and a lackey made his appearance for a moment at the garden-gate. "His most Serene Highness is riding this way," he called out.
All three stood still; the spoons fell into the grass. "We are betrayed," cried Siddy, turning pale. "Away with you, Victor."
"I am an officer, and dare not run away," he replied, shrugging his shoulders. He seized his sword and hastily fastened it.
"You must take it all upon yourself," Benno, exclaimed the sister.
"I would willingly do it," replied he, timidly, "but I have never had any skill in invention."
The Prince dismounted in front of the farm-house, helped by his equerry. The lackey hastened forward to open the doors, and the Prince approached slowly like a threatening storm. He entered the garden, and his sharp eyes rested on the embarrassed Prince and Princess, who stiffy made their obeisances to him.
An ironical smile curled his lip when he saw the dishes on the table. "Who has arranged this country carnival?" he asked. All were silent. "Answer, Benno," he said, turning sharply to the young gentleman in the blue smock-frock.
"Siddy and I wished to have a little pastime in the meadow before she left our country. I spilled some water over my sister, and she was obliged to change her dress."
"Where is your lady in waiting, Sidonie?" he asked his daughter.
"I begged her to go to her aunt who lives in this neighborhood, and to return in an hour," replied the Princess Sidonie.