"I have always been satisfied with observing cautiously what surrounds me in the present, and I have thereby sometimes guarded myself from being disagreeably surprised by the future. If by any accident I should myself be prevented from carrying out my rôle in the drama of which your Highness speaks, I have taken care that others shall act my part."
The Sovereign threw himself back in his seat. The carriage went on through the mire, the horses floundered, and the coachman looked back doubtfully.
"Forward!" called out the Sovereign, in a sharp voice.
"The Hereditary Prince awaits your Highness at the bridge on foot," said the High Steward.
They went on at a good pace, the coachman with difficulty restraining his horses, who were frightened at the glittering expanse of water and the roar of the flood.
"Forward!" again commanded the Sovereign.
"Permit the coachman to stop, your Highness; the carriage cannot go further without danger."
"Do you fear danger, old man?" exclaimed the Sovereign, his face distorted with hatred. "Here we are both in the water--the same fate for us both, Lord High Steward. He is a bad servant who abandons his master."
"But I wish to restrain your Highness also," replied the High Steward.
"Forward!" cried the Sovereign again.