Noticing the curtained alcove, the Landgrave started towards it; but he had not crossed the room when Catherine appeared, instantly letting the curtains fall to behind her.
"At last, mademoiselle," said the Landgrave, joyfully, putting forth his hand to grasp her own.
But she stood back aloof, and said, "The proofs of my brother's release, your highness?"
His highness received this temporary rebuff with resignation. "Be sure, I have brought them," he said. "Have the maid call your man-servant, who is in the corridor, arrived this minute from Spangenberg."
"FREDERICK II. RECOILED A STEP OR TWO."
Gretel opened the door and called softly, "Antoine!" Immediately the old servant entered, bowing with a grave deference that was full of dignity. He wore riding-boots, and carried in one hand his hat and whip, in the other a folded piece of paper, which he now held out to Catherine. She took it to the candle-light, and read the few lines hastily scribbled in pencil. It was a message from Gerard, and told of his release.
"You saw him safe out of the prison?" she then asked Antoine.