“Dear Highness——” Minna began to remonstrate apprehensively, but Ruperta had pushed aside all opposition and was running towards the steps that led down from the terrace.
As Rollmar followed her, his temper hardly soothed by the unfortunate chance which had marred the complete success of the business, his sharp eyes saw the expected three figures drawing out from the shadow of the wooded alley. He quickened his pace, meanwhile sternly ordering Minna to stop the Princess. “Come back, Highness!” he cried, “I order you. Your father shall know of this.”
Minna, impelled more by fear of the horror which might be waiting them than the Chancellor’s threat, ran quickly and caught her by the arm, trying to draw her back.
“Dear Highness, I entreat you, do not go farther,” she panted.
But the three were by this time quite visible.
“Look! Those men!” Ruperta cried. “Ah, I will know!”
Rollmar caught her, angrily, it seemed, by the arm. “Your Highness is exceeding all propriety,” he said.
“As your Excellency is exceeding all justice and all humanity,” she retorted.
He made a gesture of impatience. “Have your own way, then. But I have warned your Highness.”
Without staying for further words, Ruperta turned again and ran distractedly down the alley leading to the pavilion. Recalling himself from a moment’s critical thought, Rollmar looked round at his agents, “Well?”