"Read it," he said.
Rudolph read it with a troubled countenance.
"Yes," he said, "I am familiar with most of the facts here stated, and believe them all to be true. What would you have me do?"
"First," said Maximilian, "we desire to know if Estella is still in ignorance of the purpose for which she was brought here."
"Yes," he replied; "Frederika is jealous of her, as I can see, and has contrived to keep her out of the Prince's sight. She has no desire to be supplanted by a younger and fairer woman."
"God be praised for that jealousy," exclaimed Maximilian. "We must see Estella; can you manage it for us?"
"Yes," he said, "I will bring her here. I know she is in the palace. I saw her but a few moments since. Wait for Me." "Stop," said Maximilian, "have you the receipt for the $5,000 signed by Mrs. Plunkett?"
"No; but I can get it."
"Do so, pray; and when you bring her here introduce me to her as Mr. Martin, and my friend here as Mr. Henry. She may refuse our assistance, and we must provide against the revenge of the Prince."
"I will do as you command," replied Rudolph, who acted throughout as if he felt himself in the presence of a superior officer.