"And for what purpose do you require an audience?"
"Felix desired me to ask for it."
"Ah, it was Kaulmann's doing! Wherefore?"
"He wants these documents to be signed."
Eveline showed the prince a folded parchment.
The prince glanced at it and shook his head. "And does his excellency know that this is the reason why you asked for an audience?"
Eveline burst into a laugh. "Oh dear, no! When his secretary first wrote he asked why I required an audience; I answered it was about my engagement at the Opera, and then he said he would come. He knows nothing of this," she added, touching the papers in her hand.
"And Kaulmann told you to do this?"
"Yes."
"Then Kaulmann is a refined villain. Do as he has told you; but you may take my word that your husband deceives himself if he imagines you can snare a savage with a silken net. You can receive your guest, but I do not think you will succeed in your scheme."