“Should I fail, I will then meet the blow half-way,” replied the Prince. “On the first open discontent, I shall convoke the States, and, when it pleases them to bid me, abdicate.”
Seraphina laughed angrily. “This is the man for whom we have been labouring!” she cried. “We tell him of change; he will devise the means, he says; and his device is abdication? Sir, have you no shame to come here at the eleventh hour among those who have borne the heat and burthen of the day? Do you not wonder at yourself? I, sir, was here in my place, striving to uphold your dignity alone. I took counsel with the wisest I could find, while you were eating and hunting. I have laid my plans with foresight; they were ripe for action; and then—” she choked—“then you return—for a forenoon—to ruin all! To-morrow you will be once more about your pleasures; you will give us leave once more to think and work for you; and again you will come back, and again you will thwart what you had not the industry or knowledge to conceive. O! it is intolerable. Be modest, sir. Do not presume upon the rank you cannot worthily uphold. I would not issue my commands with so much gusto—it is from no merit in yourself they are obeyed. What are you? What have you to do in this grave council? Go,” she cried, “go among your equals! The very people in the streets mock at you for a prince.”
At this surprising outburst the whole council sat aghast.
“Madam,” said the Baron, alarmed out of his caution, “command yourself.”
“Address yourself to me, sir!” cried the Prince. “I will not bear these whisperings!”
Seraphina burst into tears.
“Sir,” cried the Baron, rising, “this lady——”
“Herr von Gondremark,” said the Prince, “one more observation, and I place you under arrest.”
“Your Highness is the master,” replied Gondremark, bowing.
“Bear it in mind more constantly,” said Otto. “Herr Cancellarius, bring all the papers to my cabinet. Gentlemen, the council is dissolved.”