I had, yet, an hour to spare, so Bernheim and I returned to the Epsau.
I donned the evening uniform of the Red Huzzars, with the broad Ribbon
of the Lion across my breast and the Cincinnati around my neck. I was
minded to be the Dalberg Archduke to-night.
Then, having dispatched Bernheim to the Palace to escort the King and
the Princess, I drove to the Metzen, where Gerst piloted me, by private
corridors, to the apartments reserved for me, and which adjoined the
Gallery.
The King and the Princess were the last to arrive. As I greeted them,
Dehra detained me.
"Shall we be able to see as well as hear?" she asked.
"Yes," said I, "if you wish."
"I do wish," she said. "I'm savage to-night."