"I am summoning her highness," said the duke, as he struck the bell.
"And, Highness," added Grumbach, "despatch some one for Gretchen, who lives at number forty the Krumerweg."
"The goose-girl? What does she know? Ah, I remember. She is even now with her highness. I shall send for them both."
Gretchen? Carmichael's bewilderment increased. What place had the goose-girl in this tragedy?
"Now, while we are waiting," resumed the duke, his agitation somewhat under control, "the proof, the definite proof!"
"Her highness stumbled one night," said Hans, "and fell upon the fire. I snatched her back, but not before her left arm was badly burned."
The Gipsy nodded. "I saw it, Highness."
And that was why Grumbach went to the military ball with opera-glasses! Carmichael was round-eyed. But Gretchen?
"The Princess Hildegarde has no scar upon either arm," continued Grumbach. "I have seen them. They are without a single flaw."
"More than that," reiterated the duke. "That is not enough."