An interruption unexpected by Miss Fitzherbert, but apparently not surprising to Mrs. Hardinge, occurred. An aide-de-camp of the Emperor entered. After bowing low to the ladies, he briefly said, "His Imperial Majesty desires the presence of Miss Fitzherbert."
A summons so unusual raised a flush to the girl's cheek. She looked at Mrs. Hardinge.
"I had intended to tell you," said that lady, "that the Emperor mentioned he would like to speak to you on the subject we have been considering." Then, turning to the aide-de-camp, she said, "Miss Fitzherbert will immediately wait on his Majesty."
The officer left the room.
Hilda archly turned to Mrs. Hardinge. "So, dear mamma, you were preparing me for this interview?"
"Dear child," said the elder lady, "you want no preparation. Whatever the consequences to me, I will not ask you to put any restraint on the expression of your opinions."
FOOTNOTE:
[A] Every adult of eighteen years of age was allowed to vote and was consequently, by the laws of the Empire, eligible for election.