He tried to marry his nephew."
"I understand. But if you are discovered here?"
"That is not likely."
"Ah, Ludwig, it is not the expected that always happens. Be careful; you
know the full wording of Herbeck's treaty."
"Herbeck; there's a man," said Herr Ludwig admiringly. "To have found
her highness as he did!"
"He is lucky," but without resentment.
The other picked up his watch. "Can I be of material assistance?"
"I want nothing," haughtily.
"Proud old imbecile!" replied the mountaineer kindly. "You have been
deeply wronged, but some day you will pick up the thread in the
labyrinth, and there will be light forward. I myself shall see what can
be done with the duke."
"He will never be brought to reason unless indubitable evidence of my
innocence confronts him. With the restoration of the princess fifty
political prisoners were given their liberty and restored to
citizenship. The place once occupied by my name is still blank,
obliterated. It is hard. I have given the best of my heart and of my
brain to Ehrenstein--for this! I am innocent."
"I believe you, Carl. Remember, Jugendheit will always welcome you. I
must be going. I have much to do between now and midnight. The good God
will unravel the snarl."
"Or forget it," cynically.
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