"Lipski is a shrewder fellow than I gave him credit for. A clever stroke this on his part—to prevent us from entering that monastery by turning our own bayonets against us."
"Marshal," said Dorislas, looking very grave, "if Lipski's measure should pass—"
"If?" repeated Zabern disdainfully. "We will extinguish it on the second reading."
"Which has been fixed for this day month. Lipski boasts that there are surprises in store for ministers, that there will be numerous defections on our side."
"'Boasts'—that is a good word, Dorislas."
"If that bill should become law, commissioners appointed by the Diet will make a round of the monasteries for the purpose of appropriating their wealth; when they come to the Convent of the Transfiguration they will discover—"
"What we do not wish them to discover. But as the bill has not the remotest chance of passing, we may preserve a serene mind on the matter."
Dorislas said no more. Though he was of an optimistic nature, it was clear from his grave manner that he did not share in Zabern's hopeful views.
The quartette had now reached the salle d'armes. Over the portico hung the banner of the Lilieskis, which Paul reverently saluted, for was he not honoring Barbara by the act?
"That flag," said Zabern, "shall one day float over a wider area than Czernova."