"His Grace your father begs to inform your Highness that he will wait upon you," announced the page.
"I knew that he would disturb us," cried Victor, in a rage.
"Away with you, children," cried Princess Sidonie. "I must repeat once more, cousin, that I rejoice to have you with us again. We three will hold together. Benno is brave, and my only comfort. Avoid conversing with me whenever the Sovereign is present. I will not take it amiss if you do not notice me at all. The spy who is placed about me is now my maid of honor, Lossau. Every word that you speak in her presence is reported; you know the gentlemen, they have not become more pleasant."
"There is Benno's Chamberlain," asked Victor; "the Sovereign was talking to him a long time to-day."
"He is good-humored, but weak," remarked the Hereditary Prince; "and devoted to his place. There is no dependence on him."
"Try to behave well, Victor," continued the Princess; "be a good Chinese, and wear your pigtail according to rule, and deport yourself exactly according to the privileges of the tuft that you wear on your cap. Now, away with you down the private staircase."
Princess Sidonie hastened to the door of the reception-room to meet the Sovereign. The Sovereign passed through the rooms to her study. He cast a glance at the open book:
"Who has made these marks?"
"Mr. Werner noted the most important passages for me," replied the Princess.
"I am glad that you make use of this opportunity to obtain instruction from so distinguished a man. Apart from the pedantic manner which attaches to his profession, he is a remarkable man. I wish, on account of his disinterested activity, to make his position as agreeable as possible, and I beg that you will do your best towards accomplishing it."