“I am greatly indebted to you for this interesting explanation,” said the professor, bowing low.
At this moment, the sound of an approaching carriage was heard.
“They have arrived!” said Alexandra. “What a pity that our distinguished visitor from Berlin makes it necessary for papa to absent himself so often!”
“Your company, dear Alexandra, is a charming substitute for your father’s absence,” said Adolph von Sempach.
Two loud male voices in animated conversation resounded through the corridor. Alexandra ran to open the door of the salon.
“Papa, who do you think is here? You will be delighted.”
“Who is it? Can it be Prince von Bismarck?” replied a rough voice, and the governor entered the room. He was an elegantly dressed gentleman, of stout appearance, and wore a light mustache; but his rubicund countenance, which plainly betokened an unrestrained appetite, was almost repulsive, on account of the cruel look in his eyes. The visitor from Berlin followed him; he was a tall, broad-shouldered man, with a bald head, sharp eyes, a heavy mustache, which overshadowed an ugly mouth, and with features not less disagreeable than were those of the Russian.
“Oh, Baron von Sempach? Is it possible!” exclaimed the governor, pressing the hand of his future son-in-law. “It is really imperial!”
“My friend Edward Beck, Professor of History,” said Adolph, introducing his travelling companion.