“It is the Director Gedicke from the Gray Cloister,” said Trude, with quivering voice.
Marie was startled—a glowing red overspread her cheeks, and she was obliged to lean against a chair for support.
“I forbid you to receive him,” said her mother.
She suddenly ceased, and stared at the door, which opened at that moment, the tall, dignified form of a venerable old man appearing.
“Pardon me, sir,” said he, with a cold, reserved manner, “if I enter before I receive permission. The command of the king, to which I believe we all yield without resistance, empowers me to do so.”
“How, sir, you come by the king’s order?” asked the general, who rose with difficulty. “Has his majesty given you a message for General von Leuthen?”
“No, general, I come with a communication from his majesty to Fraulein von Leuthen, the betrothed of Herr Ebenstreit, and the order runs to deliver the same personally and without witnesses.”
“Professor,” cried the mother, shrugging her shoulders, “you mistake us for very innocent people, if you suppose we believe this silly invention, and that you can gain a secret conversation by a ruse with our daughter. You are the director of the gymnasium, and naturally the friend of Conrector Moritz. In his name you will speak, and bring a secret message. Very sly, indeed, very sly, but it will not succeed.”
For response, the director drew two large folded documents from his pocket, approaching the general. “Do you recognize this seal?” he asked.
“Yes,” solemnly answered the general; “it is the royal seal from the king’s private cabinet.”