Princess and commoner walked in silence, side by side. The rough night
wind blew the dust in their faces, but they bent to it heedlessly, both
too full of their own thoughts for words; the man half confused in the
presence of the brilliant woman who ere long would be his sovereign; the
woman stupefied at the dastardly intrigue that had not only estranged
her husband from her, but had for its object the expulsion from the
kingdom of herself and her child.
Open-hearted as she was, liberal-minded, pleasant, easy-going, and a
delightful companion, she had never sufficiently realised that at that
stiff, narrow-minded Court there were men and women who hated her. All
of us are so very loth to believe that we have enemies, and more
especially those who believe in the honesty and integrity of mankind.
She reflected upon her interview with the Emperor. She remembered his
Majesty's hard words. Had those conspiring against her obtained his
ear?
Even De Trauttenberg, the tall, patient, middle-aged woman in whom she
had reposed such confidence, was their spy! Steinbach's story staggered
belief. And yet--and yet was not the Emperor's anger plain proof that
he knew something--that a foul plot was really in progress?
Along those dark winding paths they strolled slowly, meeting no one, for
the place was utterly deserted. It was an exciting escapade, and
dangerous withal.