Their attention was diverted at this point by the approach of two masked figures, each habited, like Zabern, in a black domino.
"Radzivil and Dorislas returning from the Diet," observed the marshal. The premier and his colleague recognized the princess and Zabern by their costumes, but glanced inquiringly at Paul, uncertain as to his identity.
"Captain Woodville, my lords," replied Barbara, responsive to their thoughts.
Paul drew aside, permitting Radzivil to take a place beside Barbara, a courtesy which the premier gracefully acknowledged.
Dorislas with folded arms leaned in silence against the marble balustrade of the terrace. As far as can be judged of men who are masked and cloaked, both the premier and the finance minister were in a very gloomy mood. Paul intuitively felt that they were the bearers of bad tidings.
"Has your Highness signed the treaty with Kossuth?" began Radzivil.
"An hour ago. The Hungarian envoy has departed with it."
"I fear, princess, that the treaty will have to be rescinded. We are doomed to lose our treasure."
"Say not so, count. The Catholic Poles form the majority in the Diet; why should they desert both their princess and their religion?"
"This evening, as your Highness knows," explained the premier, "there took place the second reading of the Secular Appropriation Bill. During the course of the debate Lipski presented to the House certain statistics appraising the wealth contained in the various monasteries of Czernova. These statistics were, of course, purely imaginary—"