Ludovic von Bertheim stood looking after that fascinating, inscrutable personality when he heard a well-remembered voice at his side.
“When you have finished studying our Chancellor, Herr von Bertheim, may I ask you to give me a cup of coffee?”
They strolled off together to the Saal where refreshments were served.
“It is delightful to meet you here again,” Ludovic said; “after——”
“Where there are no organ-bellows to blow?” Minna suggested roguishly. “Oh! Hush!” She made a gesture of caution and raised her cup to her lips. Rollmar was passing them.
“I did not know he was so near,” she observed, in a low tone. “He has ears for whispers and eyes that see all round him. I warn you, Herr von Bertheim.”
“I will be careful,” he laughed.
“Yes. Not only for your own sake, but——” she checked herself with a shrug. “You see that young officer with red hair and eyes to match, like a ferret? You will never guess who he is. Our wonderful Chancellor’s son. Yes, you may well open your eyes. Captain von Rollmar; he is as sharp as his face, and——shall I tell you?—a great admirer of our Princess.”
She took a roguish delight in watching the effect of her whisper, laughing and sipping her coffee.
“The admiration is hardly returned, I should think,” he could not help saying.