The vice-palatine gazed in perplexity at the young girl, then said in a low tone:
"She is the image of the unfortunate Queen, Marie Antoinette, who looked just like that when she was a bride."
Involuntarily Marie lifted her hands and hid her face behind them. She had grown accustomed to the piercing rays of the sun, but not to the questioning glances from strange eyes.
"What—what does—this mean, Ludwig?" she stammered, in bewilderment. "I don't understand you."
Count Vavel stepped to the opposite side of the room, where a large map concealed the wall. He drew a cord, and the map rolled up, revealing a long hall-like chamber, which, large as it was, was filled to the ceiling with swords, firearms, saddles, and harness.
"I will equip a company of cavalry, and command it myself. The entire equipment, to the last cartridge, is ready here."
He conducted the vice-palatine into the arsenal, and exhibited his terrible treasures.
"Are you satisfied with my preparations for war?" he asked.
"I can only reply as did the poor little Saros farmer when his neighbor, a wealthy landowner, told him he expected to harvest two thousand yoke of wheat: 'That is not so bad.'"
"Now I intend to hold a Lustration, Herr Vice-palatine," resumed the count. "Here are weapons. Are enough men and horses to be had for the asking?"