Since then nothing has been heard from him.
The king, it is said, fears that some accident has happened to him.
Carnavia is also disturbed over this disappearance. Some whisper
of a beautiful peasant girl. Who can say?"
"Any political significance in this marriage?"
"Leopold expects to strengthen his throne by the alliance. But--"
Johann's mouth closed and his tongue pushed out his cheek.
"There will be some fine doings in the good city of Bleiberg
before the month is gone. The minister from the duchy has been
given his passports. Every one concedes that trouble is likely
to ensue. Baron von Rumpf--"
"Baron von Rumpf," repeated the Englishman thoughtfully.
"Yes; he is not a man to submit to accusations without making a
disagreeable defense."
"What does the duke say?"
"The duke?"
"Yes."
"His Highness has been dead these four years."
"Dead four years? So much for man and his futile dreams. Dead
four years," absently.
"What did you say, Herr?"
"I? Nothing. How did he die?"
"He was thrown from his horse and killed. But the duchess lives,
and she is worthy of her sire. Eh, Herr, there is a woman for
you! She should sit on this throne; it is hers by right.
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