“None whatever. Our conversation related entirely to your estate and my management of it. We spoke of crops, of cultivation, and of vineyards.”
“You have no knowledge, then, of the reason why we are summoned hither?”
“On that subject, Hildegunde, I am as ignorant as you.”
“I don’t think I am wholly in the dark,” murmured the Countess, “although I know nothing definite.”
“You surmise, in spite of your guardian’s disclaimer, that the discussion will pertain to your recovery of the town of Linz?”
“Perhaps; but not likely. Did you say anything of your journey to Frankfort?”
“Not a word. I understood from you that no mention should be made of my visit unless his Lordship asked questions proving he was aware of it, in which case I was to tell the truth.”
“You were quite right, Father. Did my guardian ask you to accompany us to Stolzenfels?”
“Assuredly, or I should not have ventured.”
“What reason did he give, and what instructions did he lay upon you?”