A flush came over the youth's face.
"Does he look like the brother of the Duchess Joan?" he said.
"That is the man—Count von Löen or no. That is the man, I tell you. Bring him immediately to me."
The young officer smiled.
"Methinks he will come readily enough. He started forward as if to follow me when first I told my message. But when I mentioned the name of the Count von Löen he stood aside in manifest disappointment."
"At all events, bring him instantly!" commanded the Princess.
The officer bowed low and retired.
The Princess Margaret smiled to herself.
"It is some more of their precious State secrets," she said. "Well—I love secrets, and I can keep them too; but only my own, or those that are told to me. And I will make my gentleman pay for playing off his Counts von Löen on me!"
Presently she heard heavy footsteps approaching the door.