"Captain Steinmetz, you will obey his Lordship's orders as faithfully as if they came from me."
With this command he withdrew from the room. The ladies also rose and bent their heads to receive the blessing of the monk, thanking him for what he had told them, and expressing a wish that this should not be his last visit to the castle.
Refreshments were placed on the table, to which the monk, on being invited, devoted himself with right good will. Rodolph requested Captain Steinmetz to leave them alone together.
"Are you the only messenger Baron von Brunfels sends forth from Frankfort?" asked Rodolph.
"No, my Lord, there are many of us. One goes east, another west, and so in all directions. It is the desire of Baron von Brunfels that the people know as speedily as possible of the deeds done by their brave Emperor."
"A most loyal and laudable intention, which will be well carried out if all the messengers are as faithful and competent as you are, Father. Do you return instantly to Frankfort?"
"No, my Lord. I go now up the Moselle to Treves, and so back in a southerly direction to the capital."
"I ask you, then, to change your plans, and return forthwith to Frankfort."
"'Twould be contrary to the orders of my Lord of Brunfels. I dare not disobey him."
"Nevertheless, I request you to do so, and I give you my assurance that you will be the most welcome visitor the Baron has received this many a day, and that he himself will tell you so, blessing you for your disobedience."