“MARIANNE, PRINCESS VON EIBENBERG.”
“Are you content and convinced?” asked the princess.
“I am, your highness.”
“And you will and can procure me this interview?”
“I will and can do so.”
“When will you conduct me to Schonbrunn?”
The major reflected some time, and seemed to make a calculation. “I hope to be able to procure for your highness to-morrow evening an interview with the emperor,” he said. “I am quite well acquainted with M. de Bausset, intendant of the palace, and I besides know Constant, his majesty’s valet de chambre. These are the two channels through which the wish of your highness will easily reach the emperor, and as his majesty is a great admirer of female beauty, he will assuredly be ready to grant the audience applied for.”
“Will you bring me word to-day?” asked Marianne.
“Yes, princess, to-day. I will immediately repair to Schonbrunn. The emperor arrived there yesterday.”
“Hasten, then,” said Marianne, rising from her seat—“hasten to Schonbrunn, and remember that I am waiting for your return with trembling impatience and suspense.”