But you, Hildegarde--"
"No, your Highness; we shall both take the train for Paris. Gretchen,
you will be happy."
Gretchen ran and flung herself into Hildegarde's arms; and the two of
them wept. Hildegarde pushed Gretchen away gently.
"Come, father, we have so little time."
And this was the sum of the duke's revenge.
* * * * *
It never took Carmichael long to make up his mind definitely. He found
his old friend the cabman in the Platz, and they drove like mad to the
consulate. An hour here sufficed to close his diplomatic career and seal
it hermetically. The clerk, however, would go on like Tennyson's brook,
for ever and for ever. Next he went to the residence of his banker in
the Koenig Strasse and got together all his available funds. Eleven
o'clock found him in his rooms at the Grand Hotel, feverishly packing
his trunk and bag. Paris! He would go, also, even if they passed on to
the remote ends of the world.
The train stood waiting in the gloomy Bahnhof. The guards patrolled the
platform. Presently three men came out of the station door. Two were
officers; the third, Colonel von Wallenstein, was in civilian dress. He
was sullen and depressed.
Said one of the officers: "And it is the express command of General
Ducwitz that you will return here under the pain of death.
Pages:
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291